Concerns raised over drop-off in planning approvals
28 Jun Industry body Homes for Scotland (HFS) has said that a dramatic fall in planning permission for new homes raises concern about whether Scottish housing growth can be sustained.
It pointed to new analysis of the number of new homes securing planning permission in Scotland taken in tandem with statistics showing an upturn in housing delivery levels last year.
The latest data insights bulletin by HFS shows that, whilst housing completions increased by 15% in 2018, there is no corresponding upward trend in planning permissions.
HFS Chief Executive Nicola Barclay said: "Having recently increased our capabilities in terms of data analysis, this is the first time we have been able to examine these key indicators on a calendar year basis, bringing them together in an easy to read format covering both national and regional levels.
"Although figures for housing completions are encouraging, there was a dramatic 44.5 per cent drop in the number of homes receiving planning consented in the last quarter of 2018. This must serve as a warning that we cannot be complacent if housing growth is to be sustained.
"With new provisions in the Planning Bill signalling an end of tolerance in relation to below-par housing delivery, all stakeholders should seize this opportunity to move from conflict in the planning system to collaboration to ensure all our communities have the new homes they need for a successful future."
Got a story? Email editor@theconstructionindex.co.uk
Another four late paying construction firms thrown off Prompt Payment Code
10 hours Galliford Try, Alun Griffiths, Severfield and Ferrovial Agroman are among 18 companies that have today been suspended from the Prompt Payment Code for failing to pay suppliers on time.
Action needed to improve rail plant drivers' view
16 hours The extent to which drivers of road-rail vehicles can or cannot see the railway line in front of and behind them has been put in the spotlight by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Builders urge Treasury to postpone reverse charge VAT
1 day A new poll shows that two-thirds of building firms have never even heard of the term 'reverse charge VAT', let alone have any awareness of the impact that it is about to have on their business.
Are you ready for the reverse charge?
2 days A significant change to the VAT rules will hit the construction sector this autumn. But many of those who will be affected will be unprepared. Graham Anderson reports
Crane accident victim secures 'substantial' damages
9 hours A man injured in a mobile crane accident nearly five years ago has secured 'substantial' damages from his then employer, Baldwins Crane Hire Ltd
CRH to sell its European distribution business
15 hours Building materials group CRH has agreed to sell all of its European builders' merchants in a deal worth more than €1.6bn.
T&T continues US expansion
15 hours Turner & Townsend is creating a new business in the USA through a partnership with a firm specialising in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
Mott MacDonald seeks to harness AI
15 hours Mott MacDonald has teamed up with a technology company and an international cost consultant with the aim of using artificial intelligence (AI) to bring an end to time and cost overruns on projects.
Extinction Rebellion targets concrete works
15 hours Not since the days of Swampy and his friends held up construction of the M3 through Twyford Down has direct action presented such a risk to construction companies.
Click here to view more construction news »