Daily News: 30/07/2025
Five social landlords, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Leicester City Council, North Kesteven District Council, and Redditch Borough Council, have been given C3 gradings by the Regulator of Social Housing, indicating serious failings and the need for significant improvements in meeting consumer standards. GOV.UK
Transport Secretary to unlock surplus railway land for up to 40,000 new homes over 10 years, with 15,000 in the next five. A £1bn brownfield regeneration push to support first-time buyers. GOV.UK
There is an urgent need to retrofit UK homes for net-zero carbon and climate adaptation because improved energy efficiency can lower heating costs but may also affect occupant comfort and health. Furthermore, rising temperatures increase overheating risks in homes not designed for heat, which impacts health and energy use. Additionally, in 2024, severe weather caused a record £5.7bn in property claims, up 28% from 2023, highlighting climate risks to UK buildings. GOV.UK, GOV.UK, and GOV.UK
Thirty-nine firms secured places on London Construction Programme’s £3bn Major Works Education Framework for schools across London and the Southeast. Meanwhile, Housing Plus Group appointed SJ Roberts Construction for a £12m residential project in Ellesmere, Shropshire. Construction Enquirer, The Construction Index
Taylor Wimpey reported a £92.1m pre-tax loss in H1 due to cladding-related costs. Northeast contractor Esh Group saw strong profit growth, with the CEO optimistic about future prospects. Audley Group and Elysian Residences merged to form the UK’s largest retirement village provider, backed by institutional investors. London & Quadrant settled a £15m legal claim with Bouygues UK over flammable cladding on a London high-rise. The Construction Index, Construction Enquirer, Show House, and Construction News (register)
The government has issued a new update on its plans to dismantle the Grenfell Tower in west London. Housing Today (register)
In the second quarter of 2025, a total of 30,405 new homes were registered, marking a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. NHBC
In Q2 2025, the Planning Application Index shows a positive sentiment with momentum continuing to build, following the record-breaking figures seen earlier in the year. TerraQuest
Wiltshire’s biggest new housing development of 2,500 homes was approved by councillors. In Bristol, plans for 166 flats at a Harbourside caravan park were approved, with funding for only one affordable home. A public inquiry for a 1,700-home scheme in Frome starts next week. Nearly 1,000 homes are proposed for a new Bristol neighbourhood. Developer Dandara has bought land for 272 homes, including affordable units and bungalows, in Great Dunmow. Danum submitted plans for 120 homes in Market Weighton. BBC, Bristol Live, Somerset Live, Bristol Live, Housing Executive, and Place North West