Property, Planning and Regeneration
New partnership to promote best in British building
On Monday, the National Housing Federation (NHF) released a new estimate which found only half the homes needed in the UK were built between 2011 and 2014.
The statistics were released on the same day as Housing and Planning minister Brandon Lewis MP announced a new push to build a million homes over the course of this parliament.
Record breaking house prices as East leads the way
Official figures released this week show house prices in the East of England are rising fastest in the UK, as analysts suggest property market “action” has left London.
Official figures released this week show house prices in the East of England are rising fastest in the UK, as analysts suggest property market “action” has left London.
Bid to streamline local planning launched
Housing and Planning Minister, the Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis MP, this week launched his new eight-strong panel to streamline the local plan-making process and slash the amount of time it takes local authorities to get them in place.
Gross mortgage lending breaks £20 billion
The latest analysis from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has found mortgage lending enjoying its best period since the start of the financial crisis.
Mortgage lending reached £20 billion in August, an annual rise of 12 per cent although growth was weaker in the first time buyer market than buy-to-let.
Savills shoots down retail property myths
Savills shoots down retail property myths Real estate advisor Savills has released a new report challenging several of the most common myths in the retail property sector. Among the busted myths is the idea that online shopping is killing the need for physical stores.
In fact, stores with both physical and online presence have reported stronger growth than their single-channel competitors.
“Reinvigorated” Right to Buy hailed as a success by government
The government’s updated Right to Buy scheme has resulted in over 40,000 new homeowners since 2012, according to figures released by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
DCLG also claimed that the purchases have resulted in £964 million being re-invested into building new homes.
Transport
Crossrail 2 Growth Commission team revealed
Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the Crossrail 2 Growth Commission, has announced the appointment of the individuals who will be working with him to realise the full benefits of the project.
The Commission will work to support housing along the route and encourage growth in employment as well as consider further infrastructure and investment that would maximise the opportunities associated with the project.
East Anglia to benefit from new ‘Norwich in 90’ plans
The government has confirmed plans for investment in the next East Anglia rail franchise including state of the art trains and 180 extra services each week.
Under plans revealed in the government’s Invitation to tender for the East Anglia franchise, passengers will be able to travel between Norwich and London in 90 minutes and will be able to access free Wi-Fi.
Energy and Environment
Former UK government official gets wind association top job
Giles Dickson has been appointed as CEO of the European Wind Energy Association.
Previously Mr. Dickson was vice president of global public affairs at Alstom, following 15 years as a civil servant in the UK government.
EU wind power to deliver 25 per cent of energy by 2030
Latest European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) forecasts assert that wind power can meet a quarter of Europe’s electricity demand by 2030 if member states deliver on climate and energy pledges.
Energy committee launches energy infrastructure probe
UK energy infrastructure is to be scrutinised as one of three inquiries launched by the UK Parliament’s Energy and Climate Change Committee.
The inquiry will investigate the work required to support a low carbon, flexible transmission network.
Other News
British industry calls for ‘growth enhancing spending’ in government submission
As part of its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has identified total savings of up to £16.3 billion over the next five years.
To achieve the savings, the business group has urged that ring-fenced departments are open to reform and that growth enhancing spending is protected.