Brian Donnelly’s Post

More than 500 North East Derbyshire Homes are warmer and cheaper after work to improve their energy efficiency. Rykneld Homes has worked closely with its principal contractor Sustainable Business Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) to deliver the scheme installing external wall insulation and other retrofit measures to homes in North East Derbyshire District Council’s social housing stock. Read more: https://bit.ly/42tRqjY #homes #energyefficiency

Legislation in South Australia continues to suit volume.builders and disadvantage home owners. Does Nick Champion realise if volume builders were forced to meet the minimum national code....rather than be protected from it, it would help bring down the cost of building better homes at all levels of performance? It would also ensure that home owners are protected from the risks of condensation and mould. A sad moment in South Australian building. https://lnkd.in/gAvnGTi9

We’re pleased to have exchanged contracts with developer Related Argent to deliver 50 socially rented homes at Brent Cross in the London Borough of Barnet. The new homes will be built as part of a section 106 agreement at the Brent Cross Town regeneration scheme on a former industrial site on Merchant Street. The one, two and three bed apartments will boast green credentials by being connected to a gas-free district heating and cooling system. This will offer a fully electric system of air source heat pumps, electric boilers and thermal stores and part of a district energy network is expected to be one of the biggest electric-only centres in Europe. The homes, designed by dRMM Architects, will be tenure blind, and residents will benefit from shared private amenity space and a play is provided by a large podium garden. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eMsetbtH #ukhousing #socialrent

Housing starts, a measure of projects started on new homes and multi-family homes, rose 3% in June vs the May estimate Additionally, Building Permits, a measure of future projects, also increased more than 3% against the May estimate. However... both are down YoY. Upwards trends are nice, but at the end of the there's still a massive housing shortage. #goodluckhavefunyall #housing

The government is proposing a new building consent exemption for small, self-contained houses up to 60 m². This initiative aims to make building more affordable and straightforward for homeowners with existing properties. Here’s what you need to know: What's Proposed? A new schedule in the Building Act for a building consent exemption. Criteria ensuring all work is completed by licensed professionals. Compliance with Building Code Acceptable Solutions. Use of lightweight materials for walls and roofs. Location restrictions to wind zones no greater than high. Connection to network utility operator services where available. Why It Matters? This proposal could significantly streamline the process of adding modular homes and granny flats, making it easier and less costly. It’s a great step towards more flexible and affordable housing solutions, helping more New Zealanders have access to affordable housing options! Your Voice Counts! The government is seeking feedback on this proposal, including supporting changes in the Resource Management regime to allow granny flats without a resource consent. 📅 Submit your feedback by Monday, 12 August 2024! Check out the fact sheet, discussion document, and consultation submission form published by MBIE. Let’s work together to shape the future of modular housing!

New #AHURIResearch has investigated what is needed to lift the quality of Australian housing. Australia’s existing housing stock is of poor quality by international standards. Over 70 per cent of Australian houses have an energy rating of three stars or lower (international best practice is 9 stars), and around 70 per cent of households report building quality problems such as cracks, mould and plumbing issues. The research found a national strategy is required to develop fit-for-purpose housing standards policy in Australia. This strategy should include improved performance standards for new houses; mandatory energy performance disclosure of all dwellings; minimum housing standards for the rental sector; transparent governance of regulatory mechanisms (including organisations such as the Australian Building Codes Board); and a rigorous independent building compliance and enforcement process. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3TaX70N #housing #energyefficienthomes

I spent some time talking to people and sharing opinions about the quality of residential buildings. Australian houses have faced criticism for their perceived low quality compared to other highly developed nations. While it's essential to recognize that not all Australian homes fall into this category, several factors contribute to this perception. 1. Profit-Driven Construction: Some builders prioritise profit over quality. They may cut corners to maximize their margins, leading to subpar construction. Profit incentives can lead to compromises in materials, workmanship, and overall structural integrity. 2. Normalisation of Deviance: Over time, standards may erode, resulting in a gradual decline in quality. This phenomenon, known as "the normalization of deviance," allows substandard practices to become accepted until disaster strikes. 3. Regulatory Challenges: While Australia has building standards, enforcement can be lax. Inspectors and certifiers, often privatized, may overlook issues to maintain steady work. 4. Unique Demographics and Land Constraints: Australia's housing crisis stems from its demographics and limited available residential land near jobs and services. High construction costs, community opposition to development, and long lead times for new supply further exacerbate the situation. 5. Historical Context: Over the past century, housing quality improved due to sanitary regulation, social housing, and technological advancements. However, challenges persist, especially for low-income households. I am keen to know your thoughts on this topic. #HousingQuality #AustralianHomes #ConstructionStandards

The Business Council of Australia proposes a market-led system to speed up housing development by bypassing local councils and asking state and territory governments to rezone land. Our Director: Planning, Alice Maloney, spoke to The Australian Financial Review, highlighting industry support for additional height and density beyond the exhibited heights of the 10 activity centre plans recently exhibited by the Victorian Planning Authority. In response to concerns about whether zoning needed to be standardised nationally, Alice explains that while Victoria has standardised zoning, issues arise from how individual councils apply the zoning framework. "You might have land on one side of a major road in one municipality zoned at a higher level than one the other side in another municipality." BCA's proposal seeks to address housing shortages, streamline the rezoning process, and bring Australia closer to its five-year new homes target. Read more here > https://lnkd.in/gHN6W9nP #ratio #fosteringchange #planning #ourteam #housing #zoning

Thinking about adding a secondary dwelling? 🏡 In NSW, secondary dwellings, often called granny flats, are an effective way to add flexible, independent living spaces to your property. Whether you’re planning for family use or rental income, these additions can be a valuable asset. Key things to know: ✅ Many secondary dwellings can be approved quickly as complying development in residential zones. 💧 A BASIX Certificate is needed to meet NSW’s energy, water, and thermal efficiency standards. 🚗 And here’s a bonus, no additional parking is required under the Housing SEPP. Considering a secondary dwelling? Let us guide you through a streamlined approval process that keeps your project compliant. Contact us today to learn more about your options: https://lnkd.in/g8w_4D8h

New housebuilding targets alongside an overhaul of the planning system are given a cautious welcome. https://lnkd.in/etVCC26e #planning #housebuilding #landanddevelopment #newplanningrules