Daily News: 06/06/2025
Newly built homes will be fitted with rooftop solar panels by default under the upcoming Future Homes Standard, helping homeowners save hundreds on energy bills and sparking a “rooftop revolution”. GOV.UK
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is reviewing proposals to acquire 253 homes for social housing as part of its Housing Our Greenwich programme. Meanwhile, Perth and Kinross Council reported positive progress on its five-year housing strategy, with over 260 new affordable rental homes added in 2024/25. Greenwich London Borough, Perth and Kinross Council
Nineteen companies have joined LHC Procurement Group’s £265m modular buildings framework, expanding UK offsite construction options. Orbit Group is seeking maintenance and repair partners through a preliminary market engagement to support its 2030 strategy. Bedford Borough Council began early procurement for a £120m Mayes Yard redevelopment, while Lincoln Council appointed Belvin Construction for a £10m housing scheme at Jasmin Green. Acciona topped the May contracts league with a £400m waterworks upgrade for Thames Water. The Construction Index, Orbit Group Ltd., Construction News (register), Construction News (register), and Construction Enquirer
Cardo Group has expanded its UK retrofit capabilities by acquiring SERS Energy Solutions’ operations in England, Wales, and Scotland, boosting in-house delivery. United Living took a majority stake in Glenelly Infrastructure Solutions to enhance civil engineering and power services. Mitie launched a £366m takeover bid for a testing firm founded by Lord Ashcroft, targeting £30m in cost synergies. Separately, administrators claim Henry Construction paid millions to family members for luxury homes and tax bills before collapsing. Cardo Group, Construction Enquirer, Business Live, and Construction News (register)
The National Audit Office has urged the government to require open-book costing in planning viability assessments to improve transparency and negotiation balance. In a separate development, insulation firm Siderise, linked to the Grenfell tragedy, has been allowed to legally challenge its exclusion from tendering by Kensington and Chelsea Council, calling the ban unjustified. Housing Today (register), Housing Today (register)
Southwark Council has approved a delayed phase of the 3,500-home Aylesbury Estate redevelopment, stalled over two years due to second staircase rules. Birmingham has approved a 550-home build-to-rent tower, and councillors also backed the final phase of a 265-home airfield scheme. Camden revised plans for a 24-storey tower, increasing homes from 184 to 237, and progressed 700 homes on a former golf course despite ecological concerns. A 280-home proposal faces objections over local character impact. Cala Homes submitted plans for 151 homes near Lewes, East Sussex. Housing Today (register), Insider Media, BBC, Housing Today (register), BBC, BBC, and Housing Today (register)