High Quality High Density Homes; what we need or storing up trouble?

In the last budget, the Chancellor continued the Governments drive for greater density of housing because people want to live in urban areas and close to work.  With the London Plan (currently under consultation) the Mayor also wants to encourage greater density. There are benefits of high density housing, it is easier to connect to … Continue reading “High Quality High Density Homes; what we need or storing up trouble?”

Home Quality Mark ONE Consultation – we are listening.

Since the launch of Beta we have engaged with many different HQM stakeholders, including developers, assessors, consultancies designers, consumer groups, representative industry bodies, manufacturers, academics, regulators, planners, agents and various parts of the financial sector.   Most have been supportive in the aims of Home Quality Mark, with firm commitments from many via project registrations, recognition, … Continue reading “Home Quality Mark ONE Consultation – we are listening.”

Getting Green Finance and Mortgages right with the Home Quality Mark.

We have a great opportunity in linking finance with the quality and sustainability of how we build homes, this should be maximised so we can deliver positive outcomes for consumers, the financial sector, developers and regulators.  The Home Quality Mark is the tool to do this.  10 years ago the news was full of stories … Continue reading “Getting Green Finance and Mortgages right with the Home Quality Mark.”

BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s policy for local planning practitioners and stakeholders.  This includes the way in which local (and neighborhood) plans are developed and applications assessed, and also direction in respect to local policy ambition and requirements for issues such as health, security, climate change, housing etc. Like many … Continue reading “BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation”

Happy National Allotment Week! Growing stuff is good for the soul.

Happy national allotment week! With a rapidly growing population, an estimated 90% of our time spent inside, and with increasingly digitalised realities submerging us (you can buy virtual reality head sets in Tesco?!), I think it’s safe to say, we need to get outdoors; look at the trees, swim in the sea and of course, … Continue reading “Happy National Allotment Week! Growing stuff is good for the soul.”