Baily Garner LLP’s Post

🏘️ Making the case for major housing schemes to be consented through Development Consent Orders 🏘️ In this new article, Jonathan Stott, our Group Managing Director, explores how leveraging the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime for major housing projects could create vibrant, well-planned communities while addressing the UK’s housing challenges.   With the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime, housing projects can benefit from streamlined processes, consolidated land ownership, and greater post-consent flexibility. Jonathan also emphasises the role of storytelling in gaining public support, helping communities understand the long-term benefits of transformative infrastructure projects.   📝 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eda9KMTf

Homes England and West Midlands Combined Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement, formalising the West Midlands Strategic Place Partnership (SPP). This new plan sets out shared ambitions to transform derelict brownfield land, turbo-charging housebuilding in the region. Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England said: “The Strategic Place Partnership model gives us a framework to support local leaders who have a strong vision for housing and regeneration in their area. “The West Midlands Combined Authority has a clear aspiration for its people and communities, and through this SPP we will bring the powers, partners, funds and capabilities of the Agency together to help make it a reality, working in partnership to unlock the region’s full potential.” This is Homes England’s fifth Strategic Place Partnership (SPP), following agreements with Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and South Essex. Read more https://bit.ly/4ckM1yj

Yesterday’s NLA #LREF conference was an event full of optimism. The event at the Guildhall in the City of London discussed the future of the built environment under the new Government. Mark Allan, chief executive of Landsec, pointed to the potential of brownfield regeneration and the need for higher-density housing to unlock opportunities in the sector.   Affordable housing was a major focus, with Fiona Fletcher Smith, chief executive of L&Q, highlighting the pressing need for it in London, where the average salary required to rent a home is now £76,000. Industry leaders called for more government intervention, as the private sector alone cannot sustain affordable housing development amidst high costs and supply chain challenges.   Discussions about the planning system were also front of mind, with the NPPF consultation now closed. There was an emphasis on the need for planning reform. Millie Dodd, founder of Just Build Homes, advocated for a simplified process to involve younger generations and underrepresented groups, who are most likely to support new homes but least involved in planning.   More information about our day at LREF can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gfS9f3EC   It was great to be part of such a vibrant event in the real estate calendar and to hear how we can tackle some of the challenges that the capital faces.   #LREF24 #RealEstate #Housing #UrbanDevelopment #AffordableHousing #PlanningReform #Placemaking Ros Barclay Katie Balcombe Alexander Peel

Retrofit London has just submitted a Strategic Partnership application to retrofit 15,601 dwellings in London featuring a potential investment of £223,963,761 of precious borough and housing association funds that are aiming to secure £151,806,477 of grant from DESNZ that could combine to create a £375,770,238 three-year collaboration. Thousands of lives will hopefully be improved from healthier, carbon cleaner and energy leaner homes. By coming together, we aim to make key systemic changes to increase London’s ability to do more and more of this important work in the decades to come. No matter the outcome, we are very humbled by the trust placed in us by 27 of London's Boroughs and Housing Associations to listen to, collate, and convey their retrofit ambitions to DESNZ.

Operational understanding is key or planning obligations will crush value in your senior housing consent. Another great peice of work from the ARCO (Associated Retirement Community Operators) team that trys to help avoid this. Onerous planning obligations and s.106 obligations risks harming delivery where operators are not involved as developers seek to wrap up consents. To often we see agreements signed or demanded by local authorities that are simply unworkable for operators and the end consumer which kill value or a scheme altogether.

We’re investing £89 million to deliver 5,400 new homes across West Yorkshire. In a speech this week at the North Housing Consortium, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, announced the funding which will be split across 28 projects building on disused brownfield land. This announcement is a step towards addressing the region’s housing crisis and building a greener, more secure region for all. Find out more about this new investment: https://ow.ly/im3150UhB8e

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has expanded its remit to deliver more diverse and affordable housing solutions that will accommodate Queensland's growing population. They are identifying key sites, partnering with industry, and leveraging government expertise to fast-track development projects. By connecting housing with transport, jobs, and open spaces, they are creating thriving communities. With innovative funding and flexible delivery models, EDQ is driving meaningful progress in tackling housing needs. https://lnkd.in/gY-6sXR6

hub North Scotland Limited chief executive Richard Park joined colleagues Paul McGirk from Hub South East Scotland Limited and Angeline Robertson from hub West Scotland to brief members of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Construction about the hub programme and the benefits it creates. The five hubs operating across Scotland, including hub South West Scotland and Hub East Central Scotland,  have been invited to join the Cross-Party Group, with Richard, Paul and Angeline, travelling to Holyrood to outline their work in supporting local authorities, NHS Boards, the emergency services and other public bodies to deliver new community infrastructure and improved service delivery against the challenges of budget and resource demands. There was a particular emphasis in their briefing on placemaking, Net Zero Transition, housing, social value and community wealth building and creating opportunities for joint working, co-location of services and collaboration to deliver sustainable and better outcomes for communities. The Cross-Party Group is chaired by Monica Lennon MSP, and also includes key industry bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders, RIAS, RICS, CITB, CECA Scotland, Considerate Constructors Scheme, and many others. All five hubs are now looking forward to working with the Cross-Party Group on emerging policies and new initiatives. #partnerships #collaboration #together #buildingbetterfutures #opportunities #communitybenefits #sustainable #resilient

Exciting Partnership to Boost Blackburn's Growth! 🌟 Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has appointed Turner & Townsend as its capital delivery partner to drive key growth initiatives in the region. This strategic collaboration will span three years, focusing on delivering comprehensive project, cost, and commercial management services essential for regional development. 🏗️ Key projects include significant upgrades at Junction 5 of the M65 motorway, which is set to create over 2,000 new job opportunities and stimulate local employment. Another major initiative under this partnership is the North East Blackburn masterplan, which aims to develop 1,500 new homes, addressing the increasing need for residential properties. Additionally, the council plans to enhance regional cultural facilities, further benefitting the local community. Turner & Townsend, alongside property consultants CBRE, will not only deliver these ambitious projects but also focus on facilitating knowledge transfer to equip the council's in-house teams with the necessary skills for effective project management. This partnership is a testament to Blackburn with Darwen Council's commitment to economic growth and improved infrastructure. #BlackburnGrowth #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunityImpact

The Irish government wants social housing providers to adopt modern methods of construction to increase the delivery of public housing. In this article, Margaret Geraghty, Programme Coordinator and Ruth Hurley, Project Manager with the LGMA's HDCO (Housing Delivery Coordination Office) are amongst contributors providing insight into what is being done to support this aim. Ruth informs of reducing reliance on traditional contract forms and expanding knowledge through collaboration with cross-agency partners, local authorities, and industry experts in the use of modern methods of construction. https://lnkd.in/egaf5Zp6