Daily News: 30/06/2025
The government has reformed the Building Safety Regulator with new leadership, investment, and a Fast Track Process to speed up new build application reviews, reduce delays, and boost sector confidence, supporting delivery of 1.5m safe homes and faster remediation. GOV.UK
Stonewater is in discussions with Porthove Housing Association and the Rotary Club of Hove Housing Society to transfer 97 homes to its ownership, aiming to enhance service delivery under a larger housing association framework. Stonewater
Peabody started construction on just 302 new homes in 2024/25, a near 75% drop, as it adopts a more cautious development strategy amid market uncertainty. Meanwhile, Telford & Wrekin Council’s housing company, Nuplace, reported an 18% profit increase, according to its draft accounts. In Warwickshire, complaints about council services dropped by 40% over the past year. Housing Today (register), Shropshire Star, and BBC
The UK government has announced that homeowners could save around £500 annually on energy bills through its push to increase rooftop solar power installations as part of wider efforts to boost energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions. GOV.UK
Sureserve Group is set to finalise its £56.4m acquisition of Kinovo after court approval, calling the deal “compelling”, whereas hundreds of jobs are at risk at Enerveo after the collapse of a planned sale, prompting a redundancy consultation. Construction Wave, Construction News (register)
Greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1) from the UK construction sector were 33.6% higher in 2023 than in 1993, highlighting long-term environmental challenges. At the same time, Arcadis forecasts a “cautious recovery”, with construction set to outperform the wider UK economy despite uncertainty. BCIS, The Construction Index
Hundreds have signed a petition to rebuild Manchester’s historic Hotspur Press, damaged by fire, which was set to feature in a 600-bed student housing scheme. Housing Today (register)
Northern Ireland received 9,716 planning applications in 2024/25, down 3% from the previous year, including 9,554 local, 161 major, and one regionally significant application. Department for Infrastructure
In Surrey, 270 homes were approved after a planning inspector ruled a nearby settlement was a village, overturning council objections. Approval was also granted for 105 homes near Pershore despite councillor concerns. In Bridgwater, 300 more homes and a care home are planned at Centenary Heights, which already includes 675 homes, a school, and a hub. A planning application has been submitted for 306 affordable homes in Hove, and over 270 homes are set for the former Vernon Carus factory site at Penwortham Mills near Preston. Surrey World, Evesham Journal, Business Live, Brighton & Hove News, and BBC