Ben Cross

What are the key ESG considerations during the design, planning and placemaking phase during the real estate life cycle? Mandatory biodiversity net gain put the restoration and protection of nature at the hear of placemaking. Planning specialist Stephanie Hall says: “The BNG regime will have far-reaching impacts for local planning authorities, who will need to get to grips with the requirements at a time of ever-increasing budgetary constraints. Developers will be looking for guidance from local authorities, and well-prepared authorities will need to consider how to secure BNG provision in new developments and how to resource the ongoing monitoring requirements. I have heard anecdotally from local planning authorities who anticipate the number of applications requiring a s106 agreement to double as a result of BNG requirements, as they will apply to all but the smallest of sites. Having said that, it is not all bad news for local authorities, who may have an opportunity to offer land within their ownership to developers for BNG credits.” Social value has redefined the value of placemaking. Malcolm Iley, Local Government expert, welcomes this new focus on social value: “High quality placemaking has never just been about the built-out development but also the engagement of the community in and around a regeneration project. The economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the end product and the application of the principles of ESG by all participants in the regeneration process will only enhance the quality of the regeneration outputs and their sustainability.” All and so much more covered in the set of articles below. #davittjonesbould #ESG #planning #socialvalue #commercialproperty #realestate

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"Social landlords step up use of carbon credits to fund retrofit work" Discover how HACT and PNZ Carbon 's Retrofit Credits is becoming the solution to financing retrofit projects. Not only do Retrofit Credits supports sustainability but they also include the social value benefit to communities🌍🏡 As the demand for green solutions grows, this innovative approach is a win for both the environment and the social housing sector. Learn more about this trend and its impact on the future of housing 👉 https://buff.ly/46y4t3H #Sustainability #SocialHousing #RetrofitCredits #RetrofitFunding Inside Housing Antoine Pellet

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Some initial key headlines in Labour’s manifesto for planning include: Immediate update to NPPF Restoring mandatory housing targets Strengthening ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ Aim of building 1.5 million homes Investment in more planning officers in planning departments Brownfield first approach Strategic review of Green Belt and release of lower quality ‘grey belt’ Reform of CPO powers Combined and Mayoral Authorities to strategically plan for housing growth in their areas Roll out of a New Towns programme Deepening devolution settlements for existing Combined Authorities New statutory requirement for Local Growth Plans that cover towns and cities across the country https://lnkd.in/erdRxmyU

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🏡 Greater Cambridge Can Deliver 🏡 Our latest build-out data report, produced in collaboration with Savills delves into planning consents and completion rates across the Greater Cambridge area. This data is one indicator of, rather than a comprehensive study into, the rate that new homes are built-out in our city region. The key takeaway from this latest data is that the gap between consents and homes in Greater Cambridge in recent years has averaged just 6%. This compares with a national average of 21%. This suggests that new homes get built out relatively quicker in the Cambridge city region. The data also shows that the historic rate of delivery of new housing stock in Greater Cambridge is high – 1.5% per year over the last decade, compared to 0.9% nationally. There has, though, been a recent downturn in new consents. To read more: https://ow.ly/Ryjt50Uhs28 #HousingGrowth #SustainableDevelopment #GreaterCambridge

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Retrofit works should be planned into investment strategies – not viewed as isolated projects. To maximise the success of retrofit projects, we encourage clients to think bigger and consider how the new wave of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund can be used to compliment wider, long-term decarbonisation decisions. Our Sustainability Director, Alice Monty, breaks down the importance of ensuring retrofit isn’t an after-thought ⬇️   #WarmHomesSocialHousingFund #SocialHousingDecarbonisationFund #SHDF #SHDFWave3 #WHSHF #Retrofit #SocialHousing #Decarbonisation #NetZero

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In the new NPPF it looks like we will have the stick. I’d like to see some carrot too. LAs should be encouraged to define the economic opportunties before them and to develop strategies which seek to capitalise on these in order to diversify, grow, transform their economies where there is tangible benefit in doing so. Examples of ‘postive planning’ have become few and far between in a world where doing the bare minimum has been accepted. This mindset needs to be challenged.

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If you're a built environment professional, join RICS's FREE webinar on 9 October to explore how real estate professionals can help build more inclusive cities. Their expert panel will discuss key areas of inequality across social, economic, spatial, and environmental themes, offering insights on how we can shape equitable urban environments. Learn about how inclusivity can be seen as an asset in urban development. Don't miss out. → https://lnkd.in/exkUa-Kx #InclusiveCities #UrbanPlanning #RealEstate

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City Funds is a place-based impact fund that uses its funds and aligned grants to strengthen organisations solving some of the biggest problems facing Bristol.  Aligned with the One City Plan, City Funds adopts a One City approach bringing together the public and private sectors, mixing investment, grant-funding and pro bono support to make Bristol a fair, healthy and sustainable city. The fund, which was established five years ago as a collaboration of Quartet Community Foundation, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital and Bristol City Council, has been evaluated by The Good Economy.    This evaluation looked at the successes of the fund and what can be learned from the process of setting it up. It found that City Funds has a unique governance structure that bridges the local authority and private investment to tackle inequality and city-wide issues. The final report includes an evaluation of the impact in terms of tackling inequality and what lessons can be brought forward to new funds, with a focus on the scalability of the fund, particularly in the context of the new Western Net Zero Accelerator Fund that Bristol & Bath Regional Capital is working on establishing and how the model can be transformed for a regional scale. Offer: You can read the full report below #BristolOneCity #OneCityApproach https://lnkd.in/eZUm86wj

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Councils want high streets to thrive for local benefit. Asset owners want exciting, impact-driven opportunities for vacant buildings. Communities have amazing ideas for their neighbourhoods, but struggle to access the space to make them happen. How do you bring all of this together to make a positive change to your local high street? How assets are owned, governed and used in a community form powerful solutions to creating a thriving place based capital system.

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𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲👉https://lnkd.in/eFzGH8WU In four detailed sessions we cover: 🟢 Town Centres from a Policy perspective 🟢 Planning and Regeneration – working within the planning system and creating a Town Centre Masterplan 🟢 Feasibility studies and costs – asset class spotlight on repurposing trends 🟢 Generating value and profits from repurposing 🟢 ‘What to consider’ checklist and a ‘don’t forget’ list of hidden costs 🟢 Using Tax reliefs and knowing what benefits are available Sessions of 75 minutes each, including answers to questions from participants on the challenges they are facing and on the opportunities being created 👉https://lnkd.in/eFzGH8WU #planning #property #realestate #towncenre #regeneration #planningsystem #localauthority #LA #towncentremasterplan

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Linking Net Zero Goals to Affordable Housing Architects Action for Affordable Housing calls for a transformative approach to align affordable housing policies with net-zero goals. Our key policies include: 1. Net-Zero Social Housing: Design all social housing to meet RIBA 2030 targets, ensuring low carbon public transport infrastructure. 2. Decarbonisation Hierarchy: Prioritize retrofitting and promote passive measures to reduce operational carbon. 3. Financial Incentives: Link energy efficiency to stamp duty and equalize VAT between new builds and retrofits. 4: Regenerative Materials: Create incentives for using regenerative building materials, such as UK forestry products. By integrating these strategies, we aim to deliver on climate commitments and provide sustainable, affordable housing for all. Please join our campaign to help raise this up the political agenda. 🔗 Read more and join the campaign at https://lnkd.in/euMrwQdf https://lnkd.in/e2WUV3JN #NetZero #AffordableHousing #SustainableLiving #ClimateAction #ArchitectsForChange #AA4AH (Photo credit: Jim Stephenson)

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Great article in the FT with POoR Collective, discussing the issue of how buildings can be repurposed and retrofitted in a way that is responsive to local needs. Pleased to see the references to the Stratford Centre which I'm fond of to this day, and in agreement with Larry Botchway's comments that it has been “readopted and reactivated” to the benefit of the community. Although still scruffy around the edges (and subject to numerous failed redevelopment proposals over the past decade), it has a footfall of 20million(!) a year and plays an important part in providing affordable retall and eating options for local people. Many of them visit Roof East up on the top level of the centre's car park. It was a hard sell back in 2013/14 when we (the Stratford Renaissance Partnership) worked to facilitate the opening of the new attraction up on the roof, a space previously occupied only by pigeons and a few other activities (not to be mentioned here). Many people thought there was no way such a stark concrete space open to the elements could compete with the wealth attractions on offer in the shiny new Westfield mall across the road and it would be best to just demolish the whole centre - starting with the underused car park in question. But all credit to Cathy Low, Urban Space Management and Newham Council (the freeholder) who inspired by our 2013 visit to Frank's Cafe in Peckham worked together to turn the disused roof into a thriving space full of fun, creativity and small business enterprise, still successfully operating 10 years later! It might not have the stunning views over London that you get from the top of Peckham Levels but it does hold its own in terms of how popular it has become and managed to hold onto its place in the 'new' Stratford. And who would ever have imagined the Washington Post describing it as "Stratford’s place to be... they have thought of everything" and Time Out saying "it’s the most fun you can ever hope to have in a multi- storey car park. Legally." It will be a number of years before the vision to re-imagine The Train Shed here on the Earls Court site as a new destination for cultural events, food and more will come to life, but the example of the Roof Garden shows just how quickly time passes - hard to believe it is over a decade since the first plans were made for that space.

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The eagle has landed, some quick observations: Outcome of the proposed #revisedmethod for calculating annual #housingneed in some of our key areas: #SouthWest #Bristol 3,378 to 3,057 (-321) [current 10.5k unmet need] #BANES 717 to 1,466 (+749) #NorthSomerset 1,324 to 1,587 (+263) #SouthGloucestershire 1,317 to 1,717 (+400) #Swindon 1,005 to 1,252 (+247) #Wiltshire 1,917 to 3,476 (+1,559) #MidDevon 346 to 571 (+225) #ThamesValley #Wokingham 748 to 1,308 (+560) #Reading 878 to 1,023 (+145) #WestBerkshire 495 to 1,057 (+562) #WestOxfordshire 549 to 889 (+340) #ValeofWhiteHorse 633 to 937 (+304) #SouthOxfordshire 579 to 1,179 (+600) #Oxford 762 to 1,051 (+289) #Cherwell 706 to 1,095 (+389) #BasingstokeandDeane 828 to 1,137 (+309) #TestValley 524 to 921 (+397) So, more homes required then but is this aided by the #proposedreforms to the #NPPF? In relation to the #GreenBelt (a common theme with those listed above) Paragraph 142 of the NPPF states that where an authority cannot meet its identified need, a review of the Green Belt and proposed alterations are required to meet these needs in full. ✅ Are there any other allowances for Green Belt development outside of plan preparation or review? Yes, Paragraph 152 states that development in the Green Belt should not be regarded as inappropriate where a) its #greybelt, b) the LPA cannot demonstrate a #fiveyearsupply and c) development meets the requirements of Paragraph 155 (50% AH provision, infrastructure improvements and new or improved green spaces). Is #greybelt defined? Yes:  "For the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, ‘grey belt’ is defined as land in the green belt comprising Previously Developed Land and any other parcels and/or areas of Green Belt land that make a limited contribution to the five Green Belt purposes (as defined in para 140 of this Framework), but excluding those areas or assets of particular importance listed in footnote 7 of this Framework." Is 'limited contribution' defined? Unfortunately not. Any mention of #nutrientneutrality (another common theme with those above)? Nothing yet. Anything else? Paragraph 11d) now only requires policies 'for the supply of land' (see footnote 8) to be out of date to engage the #presumption, rather than those 'most important for determining an application'. Paragraph 69 includes reference to the benefits of mixed tenure sites, which includes #laterliving tenures. Lots to discuss, and no doubt it will be throughout the consultation period, which ends on 24 September 2024. Marrons https://lnkd.in/e8Kye4vQ

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What is RIBA’s Plan for Use guide and how can architects use it with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS)? Learn more about an important guide that helps to achieve outcome-based performance: https://ow.ly/Q98950U5b4z

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Where are we now with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)? Group Planning Director, Duncan Powell, provides some insight. From housing numbers to the future of Green Belt releases, the NPPF is set to reshape the property landscape for both housebuilders and investors alike. With tens of thousands of consultation responses and the government’s pro-development stance, the future of planning is in focus. ➡️ Read the full blog to learn how the NPPF changes could benefit both investors and developers: https://lnkd.in/eaK6TKxt #NPPF #PropertyInvestment #PlanningPolicy #PlanningReform

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IMPACT UK is the UK’s best ESG property event; with meaningful engagement around major ESG challenges and opportunities. It’s led by landlords, investors and occupiers – seeking to accelerate, refine and measure their sustainability, social impact and energy leadership and strategy. To better define and live their purpose. And equip themselves for responsible growth. Together. It’s where big ideas are shared, norms are challenged and new connections are made. The 250 attendees are progressive thinkers including The Crown Estate, Packaged Living, Redevco, Get Living, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Hammerson and Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM). And National Rail, Visa, Haleon, Standard Chartered, Arcadis and L&G. Joined by leading advisors and technology. The content is thoughtfully curated, attendees are senior, and the ‘Tribe’ format enables meaningful engagement. The venue – English National Ballet – is a stunning space, in the heralded ‘City Island’ development in Canning Town by Ballymore. It’s a premium event experience. Partner: ep&t global Supporters: CIM, Measurabl, Ramboll & Barking Riverside Limited Furniture Partner: LOFT.uk Collaborators: Black Women in Real Estate & BE News Main Stage Keynotes: Dan Labbad & Christian Hernandez Gallardo Main Stage Panellists: Ed Ellerington, Ailish Christian-West, Suzy Jones, Basil Demeroutis, Anna Strongman, Jay Squier, James Saunders Tribe Hosts include: Paul Walsh, Scott Brookes, Toby Chapman, Sarah McCready, Nuno Brito e Cunha & Clare Masters... #ESG #sustainability #netzero #ukpropertymarket

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The SBTi has today (28 August) released its Buildings Sector Science-Based Target-Setting Criteria. The new document offers organisations a “whole building approach” to decarbonisation, covering aspects such as energy consumption to lesser-known issues such as emissions leakage. “This sector now has the tools to build towards net-zero – companies and financial institutions must take immediate action,” the SBTi’s chief technical officer, Alberto Carrillo Pineda said. “Decarbonising both old and new buildings is paramount to tackling climate change. We call on these businesses to lead the net-zero transformation.” With buildings accountable for more than a quarter of energy-related emissions globally, the new framework sets out a range of commitments and targets that corporates can build toward. The SBTi notes that organisations should make public commitments to phasing out fossil fuel-based heating installations from 2030 at the latest. These include heating, cooking and power generation. Lots to get into here ⬇️ Credit: Matt Mace at edie #sustainabilityleadership SDG 11 & 13 +

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With speeches and commentary regarding planning coming in thick and fast in the national press, we are today releasing our new paper, “From Scarcity to Stability: Planning for the Future of Housing” calling for immediate changes to the planning system following Labour’s win. Housebuilding has consistently fallen below annual targets and house prices in England have grown an average of 6% annually over the last 30 years. Meanwhile the number of households on local authority waiting lists in England has grown by 14% between 2018-2023. In our paper we outline our recommendations for the short term, with immediate changes that could deliver instant improvements in the first 100 days, as well as longer-term recommendations that will positively shape the future of UK housing stock. In that regard we propose a new National Strategy for Housing in England that dovetails with industrial and infrastructure strategies. Please do have a read and let us know your thoughts – I hope that much of it will resonate with our clients and fellow consultants and peers, as well as the general public who like many of us must have got tired of the continual tinkering of the planning system during the past government. Inaction is simply not an option when it comes to the housing crisis. There is a very real imperative for planning to be seen as an agent for positive change.

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Net zero requires reuseable, repurposed buildings Divisional director at Premier Modular, Mark Rooney, examines the need to incorporate repurposed building stock in the national #netzero strategy As the UK is now halfway to reaching its net zero target, reports suggest that #emissions must be cut at double the speed if the country is to stay on track . A revived plan to temporarily decant the House of Lords during the refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster has shed light on a potential solution that could be echoed nationwide: could repurposed rental buildings be used to house Parliament and contribute to #decarbonising the #builtenvironment? https://lnkd.in/ecqErNCG

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