Daily News: 09/04/2025
Some councils in England now have 100+ year waiting lists for family-sized (3+ bed) social homes, according to new analysis by the National Housing Federation, Crisis, and Shelter, who are urging increased investment to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis. National Housing Federation
Red Kite Community Housing has acquired 319 homes from Riverside Housing Group in a completed purchase. Red Kite Community Housing Ltd.
Colchester City Council is fast-tracking affordable homes at Northern Gateway to ease pressure from over 450 households in temporary accommodation. Chichester District Council has approved a new housing strategy targeting homelessness prevention, rental standards, and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, Blochairn Housing Association is taking urgent action to resolve governance issues and meet regulatory requirements. Colchester Borough Council, Chichester District Council, and Scottish Housing News
A new energy efficiency tool, piloted with Bromford, NI Housing Executive, and NYC Housing Authority, helps social landlords monitor and improve home energy performance. Housing Today (register)
Maslow Capital, in partnership with Homes England, has launched a Brownfield Remediation Funding Programme to unlock underused land for sustainable housing. Elsewhere, developer Brookgate has appointed Network Rail’s JV Blocwork to deliver over 400 homes at Cambridge North. In Telford, 189 new homes are coming to Station Square, with Lovells building 72 and council-owned Nuplace delivering 33. Maslow Capital, Construction Enquirer, and Shropshire Star
Erith, the Kent-based demolition firm, has paid off its £17.6m bid-rigging fine over two years early following strong trading. In contrast, London developer Sheen Lane Developments has survived financial trouble through a pre-pack administration by Quantuma after showing signs of distress last year. Construction Enquirer, Construction News (register)
Wates’ CEO says the sector is still in the early stages of tapping into the decarbonisation market, which presents major growth potential. Wates now services one in seven social homes in England. Housing Today (register)
Deliveries of bricks rose by 22.6% in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, indicating a strong rebound in construction materials supply. GOV.UK
Scottish Labour has pledged to address planning system delays, criticising it as “over-stretched and under-resourced” amid figures showing Scotland has the fewest planners per capita in the UK. Scottish Housing News
Persimmon Homes has secured approval for 281 homes in Heybridge, Essex, after a successful appeal. In Mansfield, the second phase of the Penniment Farm scheme has been approved, adding to 202 existing homes. Plans are advancing for a 925-home tower at 77 Marsh Wall in Canary Wharf. In Leicestershire, a 170-home countryside scheme focused on sustainability has been proposed. Meanwhile, 166 homes are planned in Hull as part of a wider regeneration effort in Ings. Essex Live, Chad, Housing Today (register), Leicestershire Live, and Hull Live