Pitching in
At the start of 2012, NHBC updated its Technical Standards on pitched roofs following a significant number of pitched roof claims. A year on, general manager Mark Jones looks at how well the industry has adopted the new standards.
So far, So Stepney
Bellway is currently on site at So Stepney, east London, as part of a wider regeneration programme. Suzie Mayes reports on the background to the venture and the apartment scheme set to help turn around the area's fortunes.
Get your kicks on the A66
Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, says that now the deadline for councils to have a local plan in place has passed, the real test of the government's resolve on the NPPF will come.
Office blocks
The government's plan to change the rules on converting offices to residential has been met with some resistance by local authorities. Does the industry feel the same? Suzie Mayes reports.
Health & safety - not an optional extra
Now in their fourth year, the NHBC Health & Safety Awards offer home builders a chance to gain industry-wide recognition for their efforts to ensure the wellbeing of their employees and an opportunity to showcase best practice. Mark Dickinson, project director of the London 2012 Athletes' Village and guest judge at the NHBC Health and Safety Awards 2012, offers his insight on why health and safety is an important issue in housebuilding.
Code words
The Consumer Code was introduced in 2010 to ensure fair treatment of home buyers. Three years on, NHB's regional director Geoff Eggintonlooks at how it is being improved.
Beware the swing of the planning pendulum
This is a golden period for planning says Stephen Byfield, managing director of communications consultancy PPS, in which government is acting positively to get development moving. But enjoy it while it lasts.
SW surges as SE slips in new homes planning pipeline
More homes are in the planning pipeline in the South West than the South East, a rare occurrence, according to Glenigan's survey of who is planning to build and where. Steve Menary reports.
A partnership approach
NHBC has announced a fee freeze across all of its key products and made other changes in support of the housebuilding industry. Housebuilder finds out more.
Hidden hazard behind the'Boles Bung'
Planning minister Nick Boles backed up his call for England to accept more new homes development with a promise to reward local neighbourhoods with cash if they accept development. But, as Mark Smulian reports, the "Boles Bung" could cause further complications for housebuilders.
