Latest News

The latest news, features, comment and analysis of the UK housebuilding market covering policy, regulation, planning, technology, new developments and products

Kyoto forced DETR's hand

Oct. 1, 2000

Paul Everall, head of building regulations at the DETR, admitted to the conference that he had not originally been planning to change Part L on energy efficiency at this stage. But following the Kyoto pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ministers d

Part L set for delay

Oct. 1, 2000

Radical changes to Part L of the building regulations may be delayed because the government now plans to co-ordinate them with proposed amendments to sound insulation regs.

Sharp downturn

Oct. 1, 2000

The downturn in housing demand has been earlier and sharper than forecasters expected - transactions and mortgage approvals in August are down 10% on a year ago.

EU blow to Gap funding

Oct. 1, 2000

Britain's hopes of renewing its decaying inner cities and preserving its countryside has been dealt what housebuilders describe as "a crushing blow" by the EU.

Frame's debut

Oct. 1, 2000

Beazer Partnerships has started work (left) on the first homes in the country to be built using its Tee-U-Tec timber frame system.

Wilcon report

Oct. 1, 2000

<b>Wilcon Homes has published an environmental report about its activities.</b>

Raynsford challenges housebuilders

Oct. 1, 2000

Planning minister Nick Raynsford has again challenged planning authorities and housebuilders to "design places for people" and to think imaginatively about design to make more efficient use of land without compromising the quality of the environment.

McAlpine chief joins board of NHBC

Oct. 1, 2000

<b>Graeme McCallum,</b> md of Alfred McAlpine Homes, has been appointed a board director of the NHBC and chairman of its standards committee. He replaces Ward chief executive David Holliday who stepped down at the end of August. </b>