Daily News: 27/03/2025
The OBR predicts UK planning reforms will boost housebuilding to a 40-year high by 2029/30, nearing the 1.5m homes target. The reforms could add 0.2% to GDP (£6.8bn today) and increase annual housing delivery by 30%, with 170,000 extra homes projected after a 2025/26 low. GOV.UK
The UK government has launched a taskforce to unlock housing by releasing surplus public land. Network Rail’s new property company plans to deliver 40,000 homes over the next decade, starting in Newcastle, Cambridge, Manchester, and Nottingham, to address shortages and boost homeownership. GOV.UK
Notting Hill Genesis has issued a £250m bond to upgrade homes and sustain its 3,000-home development plan, aiming to improve housing stock and regain regulatory compliance. Housing Today (register)
Fitch Ratings has assigned a ‘BBB+’ rating to Legal & General Group Plc’s proposed Tier 2 subordinated notes. The company, with an A+/Stable Issuer Default Rating, is the ultimate holding entity for its insurance operations. Fitch Ratings
The NIHE plans to buy up to 600 homes over three years for temporary accommodation to tackle housing shortages. At the same time, Sheffield City Council will consult on a five-year plan to acquire 200 properties, aiming to cut £5m annual losses from temporary housing costs. BBC, Housing Today (register)
Mears Group has secured a 10-year renewal with Folkestone & Hythe District Council for repairs and maintenance, with an option to extend for five more years. Similarly, Polyteck has won a four-year plumbing maintenance contract with Westminster City Council to improve infrastructure reliability. Meanwhile, North Lanarkshire Council is seeking a supplier to manage energy in vacant homes during repairs. In Camden, over 80 windowpanes will be refitted after being mistakenly installed inside-out during post-Grenfell remediation work. FMJ, Facilitate Magazine, Daily Record, and Construction News (register)
Drainage and survey specialist Subscan UDS has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator, signalling potential financial difficulties for the firm. Construction Enquirer
Between 2013 and the end of 2024, around 4.5m energy efficiency measures were installed in 2.8m properties across Great Britain through government schemes. By January 2025, the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 1 and Wave 2.1 delivered 60,200 measures in 30,500 households. Additionally, Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) schemes installed 94,500 measures in 68,400 households. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and GOV.UK
Berkeley Group’s 900-home Borough Triangle scheme has been approved despite objections. Nearly 200 homes in Enniskillen and 150 in Albrighton have also been approved. Concerns remain over the 672-home Norton Lodge scheme, while a 300-home plan in Calne awaits approval. Furthermore, 112 homes are proposed on former school pitches in Stockport. Housing Today (register), The Impartial Reporter, TheBusinessDesk.com, Gazette & Herald, Wiltshire Times, and Place North West