Daily News: 24/10/2025
New emergency measures announced by the Housing Secretary and Mayor of London to tackle the capital’s housing crisis include a fast-track planning route, temporary levy relief, new mayoral powers to call in schemes, and £322m for a Developer Investment Fund. The measures aim to speed construction, boost site viability, and ensure at least 20% of new homes are affordable. GOV.UK
Over 4,000 people are waiting for social housing across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, with more than two-thirds in housing stress as demand exceeds supply. In Rochdale, residents of the Seven Sisters tower blocks face eviction due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of CG Fry & Son, upholding their appeal against Somerset Council and confirming that reserved matters approvals cannot be delayed by later government policy changes. Armagh I, Manchester Evening News, and Housing Today (register)
Manchester City Council has opened market engagement for the fifth generation of its North West Construction Hub high-value projects framework, expected to be worth around £1bn. Construction Enquirer
Derwent FM has rebranded as PfP Students, reflecting a stronger focus on managing student accommodation. Cardo Group has been recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses in the Fast Growth Index. Meanwhile, London concrete specialist Modebest reported a 41% fall in pre-tax profit to £870,670, citing rising costs and delays tied to building safety legislation. Facilitate Magazine, Housing Executive, and Construction News (register)
The UK Competition & Markets Authority has launched an investigation into the planned merger between Unite Group PLC and Empiric Student Property PLC, marking the start of a formal inquiry into the deal’s potential market impact. LSE
A Freedom of Information exercise by HBF found that on new housing developments with 10 or more units built over the last three years, only 10% of sites have adopted roads, while just 3% of sewers are adopted by the relevant water company. Home Builders Federation
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) shows that more than 340 affordable new homes were built in Dundee in 2024/25, with a further 286 under construction. Dundee City Council
Birmingham City Council approved the £1bn Druids Heath regeneration for 3,500 homes. Hammerson’s Edgbaston Street site may deliver 745 flats or 1,500 student bedrooms. FP McCann got Gateway 2 approval for a 22-storey tower in Digbeth with 305 apartments and ground-floor commercial space. Wirral Council approved 217 homes in Bromborough. Hallam and Hyperion plan 700 homes off Knowsley Road. Developers have put forward plans for 200 new homes in Shifnal, 174 in Chorley, and 140 homes near Tarporley as part of Bloor’s proposed Ardern Home Farm development. Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, Construction Enquirer, TheBusinessDesk.com, Place North West, BBC, Lancashire Post, and Place North West