Daily News: 15/07/2025
LiveWest has pledged to deliver around 645 homes in rural areas across the South West over the next three years to help meet growing local housing needs. LABM
Valleys to Coast has acquired 20 homes in Maesteg to boost affordable housing provision, with support from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant. Insider Media
Gateshead Council has updated its Allocations Policy to create a fairer, more transparent system better aligned with local housing needs. Meanwhile, Hackney Council has announced plans to accelerate improvements to its housing service to enhance the support and experience provided to tenants. Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Hackney London Borough
A group of landowners has launched a High Court judicial review challenging the government’s planned reforms to the freehold and leasehold property ownership system. BBC
Aster Group has partnered with WPS, part of the Wates Group, to deliver a £20m decarbonisation programme aimed at improving energy efficiency in over 750 homes across the South of England and London. At the same time, the Metropolitan Police has begun early market engagement for a £300m estate upgrade framework. Additionally, over 50 contractors have secured places on a new £94m asbestos, demolition, and water hygiene framework managed by EN:Procure. Aster Group, Construction Enquirer, and Construction Enquirer
Preston City Council has partnered with CITB to adopt the National Skills Academy for Construction framework to boost local skills and training. Construction Management Magazine
Barratt Redrow has incurred a £248m charge after uncovering major legacy building safety defects across several developments post-merger. In contrast, Brickability Group reported a “solid” performance in its final results, with acquisitions boosting diversification and enabling profit upgrades. Construction Enquirer, Insider Media
BDP is suing Kingspan, alleging dishonest marketing of an insulation product used on a Lancashire project. Housing Today (register)
A new report urges increased retrofitting of everyday commercial buildings to address delays in improving energy efficiency. At the same time, the Public Accounts Committee has launched a parliamentary inquiry into faulty energy efficiency installations in the UK housing sector, based on National Audit Office findings. Construction News (register), Construction News (register)
The Build-to-Rent Alliance has been launched to unify the sector and tackle delivery challenges amid slowing BTR growth across the UK. Concurrently, the Home Builders Federation has warned that proposed changes to landfill tax could threaten the viability of new developments and hinder affordable housing delivery. British Property Federation, Housing Today (register)
Up to 800 homes at Lea Castle in Kidderminster, 360 homes plus a special needs school in Great Wakering, Essex, and 350 homes in Crawley Down, with applications from Wates Developments under review by Mid Sussex District Council. Kidderminster Shuttle, Essex Live, and The Argus