Daily News: 01/09/2025
The HBF’s A Drain on the Nation report warns that inadequate wastewater infrastructure is delaying nearly 30,000 homes, including 7,000 affordable ones, despite developers funding £2.3bn in upgrades over five years. These delays risk worsening the housing crisis and hindering government housing and growth plans. Home Builders Federation
New LGA analysis shows nearly 28,000 affordable homes have been lost to permitted development rights. Local councils, housing providers, and homelessness charities have urged the Government to scrap PDR, saying it undermines affordable housing and worsens the housing crisis. Local Government Association
The G15 London housing associations urge clarity on the Government’s proposed £2.5bn low-interest loans ahead of the new Affordable Homes Programme prospectus, as Homes England and MHCLG consider an amortised grant model. Meanwhile, Liverpool City Region housing associations generated £155m in social value in 2024/25, supporting local health and wellbeing. Housing Today (register), Liverpool City Region Housing Associations (LCRHA)
Sandwell Council and WMCA have appointed Keepmoat for the 600-home Friar Park Urban Village in Wednesbury. In Trafford, Moorfield Group and Greater Manchester Pension Fund are delivering a £120m, 440-home build-to-rent scheme. At Liverpool Central Docks, Graham is carrying out £71m of enabling works for 2,350 homes as part of the £5bn Liverpool Waters scheme, while LSE is converting Bankside House into nearly 2,000 student rooms with Bouygues UK and Equitix. West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), TheBusinessDesk.com, Construction Enquirer, and Construction Enquirer
Polypipe owner Genuit Group has acquired heating and ventilating products specialist Monodraught in a deal worth £55.6m. Construction Enquirer
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is reportedly preparing to impose tougher sanctions on English councils that block new housing developments, with local authorities potentially forced to approve schemes or risk having planning control taken over by Whitehall. The Guardian
Melton Mowbray is approved for 290 homes, and nearly 250 homes in North East Lincolnshire were approved on appeal after initial council rejection. In Bushey, 700 green belt homes face criticism, while 550 homes are proposed in a Cornish town. Leeds City Council is considering a £100m scheme for 504 homes across six towers, over 170 homes in Bradford are recommended for approval, and outline permission has been submitted for 149 homes in East Sussex, with 115 homes proposed in Haydon near Radstock. The Construction Index, BBC, Watford Observer, Insider Media, Construction Enquirer, BBC, Sussex World, and The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal