Evolution Architecture

It's International Women's Day and we're celebrating the remarkable life and work of photographer Margaret Harker. 📸 Born in Southport in 1920, Margaret studied photography at Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) and became a lecturer and Head of Department there. Specialising in architectural photography, she was commissioned by the National Buildings Record to capture buildings under threat of bombing during the Second World War. Margaret achieved many firsts in her career, establishing the first photography degree course in the country, and in 1972, Margaret became the UK’s first professor of photography. Pictured: 4 Priory Gate, Lincoln, in 1950; the Royal Festival Hall, London, in 1951; St Paul's Cathedral, London, in 1952; and Worcester Cathedral, between 1942 and 1946.

Charles Dickens was born on this day in 1812. 🎈 Dickens' novel 'Old Curiosity Shop' is said to have been inspired by this 17th-century shop, which he lived near on Portsmouth Street in London. Although this image was taken between 1895 and 1910, the shop is still standing and is listed at Grade II*.

The average new build household… 🔹 Uses 40 fewer litres per person per day than older properties 🔹 Has a water bill that is 27% cheaper than older properties, saving homeowners around £126 a year 🔹 Uses 96,000 litres of water per year, compared to 130,000 litres used by occupants of existing properties Find out more about the water efficiency of new homes 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekRGNgtX

During yesterday’s House of Lords debate on ‘Building the Homes We Need’, Lord Lansley raised a crucial issue of the ongoing challenge of uncontracted affordable homes due to the lack of agreements with registered providers. He noted our recent Section 106 report, highlighting that 17,000 affordable homes are currently in this position, impeding progress in meeting housing needs. He also mentions HBF's call for a Written Ministerial Statement that would encourage local planning authorities to use cascade mechanisms under Section 106 agreements to promote the delivery of these affordable homes and asks the Government to respond to the findings of our report.  Baroness Taylor of Stevenage acknowledged the Government's response, particularly the new clearing service launched by Homes England to address these barriers. This approach offers a clear path to unlocking stalled Section 106 affordable homes, which are critical to addressing the housing crisis. It is essential that home builders, local authorities, and Homes England work together to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. #AffordableHousing #Section106 #HousingCrisis

During yesterday’s House of Lords debate on ‘Building the Homes We Need’, Lord Lansley raised a crucial issue of the ongoing challenge of uncontracted affordable homes due to the lack of agreements with registered providers. He noted our recent Section 106 report, highlighting that 17,000 affordable homes are currently in this position, impeding progress in meeting housing needs. He also mentions HBF's call for a Written Ministerial Statement that would encourage local planning authorities to use cascade mechanisms under Section 106 agreements to promote the delivery of these affordable homes and asks the Government to respond to the findings of our report.  Baroness Taylor of Stevenage acknowledged the Government's response, particularly the new clearing service launched by Homes England to address these barriers. This approach offers a clear path to unlocking stalled Section 106 affordable homes, which are critical to addressing the housing crisis. It is essential that home builders, local authorities, and Homes England work together to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. #AffordableHousing #Section106 #HousingCrisis

It has been a very busy end to the year for Evolution Architecture with deadlines achieved on several projects which vary is size and complexity. We are proud to have delivered an early Christmas present for one of our valued clients. At our first attempt, planning permission has been achieved for the conversion of the grade 2 listed Pencilwood Barn, located in Mole Hill Green, a delightful Hamlet near Felstead, Essex. EA actively engaged with both Uttlesford DC and Heritage England's consultants through the Pre-app' and Full/LB App' processes to develop a sustainable design solution for the change of use to residential that would preserve the long-term future of this heritage asset. The reasons for refusal of various previous applications by others were fully considered and addressed in EA's proposals. It was a pleasure to work with all parties involved. Thank you to Robert Dewar Associates, Liath Heritage Ltd and ARBTECH for their professional advice and input. #Housebuilder #PropertyUK #propertydevelopment #property #construction #newhomes #heritagebuildings #restoration

"With the Government’s long-term housing strategy set to be published in 2025, it is critical that it includes a clear focus on supporting SME home builders." 🖊️ Writes Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, in his foreword for the latest SME State of Play report, published earlier this month.

"A study found 17,400 affordable homes in England and Wales with planning permission could not be built because housing associations did not have the financial capacity to bid for them" 🖊️ Jack Simpson for The Guardian

Earlier this week, our Chief Executive Neil Jefferson, joined BBC News to discuss the pressing challenges in the UK housing sector, particularly the shortage of skilled workers. While these issues won’t be solved overnight, significant efforts are underway across the industry to create lasting solutions. ➡️ On training and apprenticeships, Neil highlighted the work the industry is doing to support those who want to join the industry, including establishing hubs to train apprentices and trainees on-site. ➡️Neil emphasised the importance of improving building colleges to “ensure we’re getting more people converting from education into the industry.” ➡️Neil pointed out the growing role of technology, stating, “Many of the largest builders in this country now have factories where they produce panels to go into homes, which reduces the need for so many construction workers.” #Housing #Construction #SkillsDevelopment #Apprenticeships

Council Taxbase 2024 | Statistics released today show that there are more properties being charged the empty homes premium, having been vacant for over 2 years (119,606), than there are households in Temporary Accommodation (117,450). The number of empty homes has risen for the third year running, reaching 845,000 across England. Read our initial breakdown of the national figures here: https://lnkd.in/eYPK7EE3