Ballymore’s Post

🏚 Plummeting numbers of new home construction, administrations, high borrowing costs and building expenses, the UK housebuilding sector urgently needs revitalisation and a new government could be the solution.🏚 In an exclusive piece for PBC Today & BIM Today, Rachel Hughes, marketing director at Wienerberger UK and Ireland, discusses what the General Election could mean for UK housebuilding, and how the next government can pave the way for success. Read here: https://bit.ly/3RLeXXr #UkHousebuilding #Construction #UKConstruction

As London Build approaches an end, we’re thrilled with the positive response to our land-finding service and its potential to unlock opportunities for land development, vital to the UK. Yesterday’s panel, Delivering the UK’s Housing Targets: Effective Collaboration Between Government and Housebuilders, brought together industry leaders to discuss the challenges in achieving housing goals. 📰Key takeaways included a call for the industry to embrace more Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), sustainable retrofitting, and private sector backing for local authorities to address delays and skill gaps. SME developers face unique hurdles, but collaboration, innovation, and investment were highlighted as critical solutions. While the panel concluded there is no “silver bullet” for the complex challenges our sector faces, collaboration, innovation, and investment are key to unlocking the solutions we need—and they are within reach. We’re pleased that our Planning Engagement Programme is already helping bridge these gaps and support local authorities in delivering better outcomes. 👉To learn more about this multi-faceted programme of local authority planning support, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gwBjstNb London Build was a hub of discussion, on the most pivotal, cutting-edge issues facing our industries and the innovative solutions driving progress. We’re proud to play a key role in this conversation and look forward to sharing more insights in the days and weeks ahead.

If you're wondering how Britain will achieve its' target of 1.5 million new homes in five years, look up. While construction is planned on brownfield sites, land is still limited. However, there is ample space in the clouds – so we could be set for a complete transformation of skylines across the UK. It is a complex situation for housebuilding, so effective communication is essential to navigate unchartered territory. You can read more on the changing construction landscape in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/ggvebDAK If you need any guidance manoeuvring the market, contact Refresh today. #Construction #NewHomesTarget #BuildingPR #GrenfellReport

See the most common period of construction for the UK was 1946-70. In parts of London, Wales and Scotland the most common period was pre-1919. Those opposing development are likely sitting in homes made in the last high point. Those objectors are serving the purpose they so desire: keeping Britain in the past in comparison to the rest of Europe. And the next generation of wannabe homeowners are held hostage by them. Only by young people - and renters - having a voice in the planning process can something change. They are the silent majority after all. The Governments’ plans, while exciting, will always be passionately battled by NIMBYism. Time and time again, Just Build Homes empowers this silent majority to speak up for planning applications which can give them a chance for a better future. And it works, shifting the hearts and minds of decision makers to vote in favour of development. 100 letters of support over 50 letters of objection - just imagine that. Just Watch Millie Dodd’s remarkable speeches to planning committee via this link to see: Just Build Homes.

Following Labour’s victory at the General Election, there are new policies and targets proposed for the country. One of the key ones being to ‘Get Britain Building Again’. Over the course of the next 5 years, the Labour Government have set the UK house building industry a target to deliver 1.5 million new homes. As part of the effort to achieve this, timber frame construction is going to be a crucial, sustainable tool to help drive towards this target. At Pinewood Structures, we have over 40 years of success, so we know that speed can be key in housing projects. We use MMC, so we can push build programme processes faster than traditional alternatives. Read more about the UK’s house building targets and find out how timber frame fits into this in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/4gPEutp #MMC #OffsiteConstruction #TimberFrameManufacturers

Has modular housebuilding failed? In the UK, questions are being asked - despite millions of pounds of government investment, the modular housing industry has seen a series of failures over the past 12 months. So, with that mentioned, will modular housing solve or hinder the housing crisis here in Australia? #MMC #Modernmethodsofconstruction #realestate

Absolutely spot on! This is just what I've been saying for years. There needs to be a set of clearly defined rules and procedures for planning consent. That everybody has to adhere to, no matter how big or small a firm is, whether its a small builder wanting to build a couple of houses or the big boys applying to build a few thousand! If I applied to put a row of houses at the bottom of my field (next to existing homes) I'd be flatly refused......but if the big firms put in a plan to build a whole estate of say 300 in the same spot there's a good chance they'd get it. And the whole thing stinks. Letting small local companies build small projects (say 30 homes or under) locally, means area's grow more organically, it doesn't burden schools, doctors and hospitals. It also means that local businesses are more likely to be used, the trades are more likely to be from the surrounding area and they'll spend their wages in the same place as they work. This leads to a more circular economy, which then raises the profile of the area. Its just a more natural way to operate, that is good for everyone. I'd also add the modular housing needs to be accepted more. As modular houses will lead to a better feeling of community, as people wouldn't need to get on the property ladder with a "starter home" as such. They start with a good sized plot, but with a modest (and maybe low spec) house, that they could add to as their budget allowed. The footings and drains would already be I'm for bigger home to be sat on at a later time, also the planning for the bigger house would already of been passed. so there'd be no grey area as to whether adding to it would be allowed inn the future.......and any complaints from neighbours would be unfounded as they would already of known the potential size the house could get to.

What's priority No 1 when it comes to housebuilding? That's the question I'd like to see all the parties answer - and for the life of me I can't see it in their manifestos. 🎯 Target, some targets, no targets? 🧐 Shake-up, radical reform, urgent review? 💷 Sector support, no support, we'll back you but we're also going to tax you. So here's the ask from Horgan Homes - which proudly holds the distinction of being WhatHouse? Best Small Housebuilder in the UK and as such, is quite well placed to identify what we need to happen so our sector can thrive and deliver much needed homes and thriving communities across Britain. 👉 A streamlined, nationally-led planning process which truly reflects the balance needed between brownfield and greenfield development and delivers consent within an agreed timeframe It should include a focus on ways to make SME constructors more sustainable. We can offer a much-needed alternative to the large housebuilder approach but need a national infrastructure which sweeps away some of the barriers which currently stand in our way. 👉 a comprehensive review of the National Planning Policy Framework. The number of planning permissions granted in 2023 was the lowest on record, thanks in part to the removal of housing targets by Michael Gove. More than 60 local authorities have now publicly withdrawn or delayed their local plan consultations, while many more are considering reducing their housing requirements or are sitting on their hands waiting to see how things play out. 👉 a national programme to raise the profile of the construction industry, to invest in modern skills and training and to shout about the value of a career in the sector. That's what I'd start with - what about you? I'd really like to gather some insight from my network on what they think should be the No 1 priority for the next Housing Minister - and then I'll hopefully share a top ten! Just a one liner, let me know what you think... https://lnkd.in/ercDNXNY

Timber Trades Journal recently posted an interesting article, stating that the new government will reinstate mandatory housing targets for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) according to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, in her first speech. This is a key step in Labour’s plan to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Andrew Carpenter emphasizes the importance of this move: "Restoring confidence in the building system is crucial. We need to see a willingness to work alongside the construction industry to bring about an evidence-based approach to the built environment. Stability and confidence for businesses to invest are paramount, supported by policies that prioritize quality, safety, and environmental performance." Carpenter also highlights the need for sustainable construction methods, like structural timber, to meet housing demands while providing local employment opportunities and meet environmental goals. The recent investment in timber frame manufacturing from major housebuilders signals a promising shift towards sustainable housebuilding. It’s now up to the new government to turn policy proposals into action. Renewing the commitment to timber use, as established with the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap, is essential for addressing both the housing shortage and the UK's Net Zero obligations. #SustainableHousing #TimberConstruction #AndrewCarpenter #HousingCrisis #UKPolitics #ConstructionIndustry #NetZero #LabourManifesto #vonwood #STA https://lnkd.in/dRSZXkJh

📢 The latest Glenigan Construction Review reveals insights into the UK housing market, showcasing signs of resilience despite recent challenges. While overall residential project starts have declined, main contract awards are up by 30% year-on-year, reflecting growing developer confidence. The social housing sector also shines, with a 45% increase, indicating strong government backing for affordable homes. As regional projects pick up, the market’s recovery trajectory looks promising! 🌆🏡 🔗 Full article: https://bit.ly/4emNpjw #UKHousing #Construction #GleniganReview #HousingMarket #AffordableHousing #BuildingPerformance