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3D printed concrete in UK infrastructure and construction

3D printed concrete is rapidly moving from experimental technology to a practical solution for the UK construction and infrastructure sectors. As the industry faces mounting pressure to improve productivity, reduce carbon emissions and address labour shortages, additive manufacturing is emerging as a viable method for delivering buildings and infrastructure components faster and more efficiently.

The technology, often referred to as 3D concrete printing (3DCP), uses robotic systems to deposit layers of concrete according to a digital design. Unlike traditional construction methods, which rely heavily on formwork, 3D printing creates structures directly from computer models, reducing material waste and enabling complex geometries that would otherwise be costly or impossible to achieve.

3D printed concrete in UK infrastructure and construction — Image: Costain

The UK’s interest in 3D printed concrete has accelerated significantly over the past five years. Early adoption was largely focused on housing and demonstration projects, but the technology is now finding applications across infrastructure, utilities and civil engineering. One of the most notable developments came in 2026 when Costain deployed 3D printed concrete components on a major carbon capture project on Teesside. Working alongside A E Yates and Hyperion Robotics, the company used 90 low-carbon printed concrete pipe supports for a CO₂ pipeline within the East Coast Cluster network. According to project data, the printed components reduced concrete and steel consumption by 40 per cent and cut embodied carbon by up to 50 per cent compared with conventional precast alternatives.

The appeal of 3D printed concrete lies in its potential to address several longstanding challenges in construction. Industry suppliers report that automated printing can reduce project costs by around 30 per cent, accelerate delivery times by as much as 50 per cent and significantly reduce material waste. By placing concrete only where it is structurally required, the process supports both efficiency and sustainability objectives.

Housing remains one of the most promising applications. Harcourt Technologies (HTL), the exclusive distributor of COBOD’s 3D construction printing technology in the UK and Ireland, has been actively promoting the technology for affordable housing developments. The company states that 3D concrete printing can help facilitate “the rapid delivery of high-quality, affordable, and sustainable housing reliably and consistently.”

Industry collaboration has also played a crucial role in advancing the technology. Major materials suppliers have invested in developing printable concrete mixes that use conventional ready-mix materials rather than specialist mortars. CEMEX and COBOD jointly developed a system that enables standard concrete to be used in 3D printing applications, reducing costs and improving scalability. According to the companies, the innovation allows contractors to utilise locally sourced materials while achieving significant time savings compared with traditional methods.

Despite the progress, challenges remain before 3D printed concrete becomes mainstream across the UK. Regulatory compliance, quality assurance and structural standards continue to evolve. The construction industry is traditionally cautious about adopting new methods, particularly where long-term performance and safety are concerned. However, efforts to develop standardised approaches are helping to overcome these barriers. Harcourt Technologies, working with engineering consultancy Cundall, has been involved in projects aimed at establishing standards and protocols for 3D construction printing across Ireland and the UK.

Labour shortages are another factor driving interest. The UK construction sector faces a growing skills gap, particularly in trades associated with traditional building methods. Automated concrete printing can reduce the amount of manual labour required on site while improving consistency and productivity. Rather than replacing workers entirely, the technology is expected to shift demand towards digital design, robotics operation and advanced manufacturing skills.

Infrastructure applications may ultimately prove more transformative than housing. Printed concrete components such as pipe supports, retaining structures, foundations and utility assets can be manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation. This approach aligns closely with the industry’s broader move towards modern methods of construction and off-site manufacturing. The success of recent infrastructure projects suggests that 3D printed concrete could become a valuable tool for delivering low-carbon assets while reducing programme times and site disruption.

Looking ahead, the outlook for 3D printed concrete in the UK is increasingly positive. As standards mature, equipment becomes more widely available and contractors gain confidence through real-world projects, adoption is likely to expand. While the technology will not replace conventional construction entirely, it is becoming an important addition to the industry’s toolkit.

For a sector under pressure to build more sustainably, more quickly and with fewer resources, 3D printed concrete represents one of the most significant construction innovations of the past decade. The transition from pilot projects to operational infrastructure schemes indicates that the technology is no longer a future concept but an emerging reality within the UK’s built environment.

Construction Developers Government Policy Nationwide Sureties

Homes England and Richborough debt facility

The recent agreement between Homes England and Richborough for a multi-million-pound debt facility marks a significant intervention in England’s housing market. Positioned as one of the first deals under the newly created National Housing Bank, the partnership reflects a strategic shift towards tackling structural barriers in housing delivery—particularly the shortage of “consented land”.

This article explores the rationale behind the decision, the mechanisms involved, and the broader implications for housing supply, planning, and investment.

A Strategic Funding Intervention

The debt facility is designed as a flexible, long-term financing arrangement that enables Richborough to invest earlier and more extensively in land acquisition and planning applications. Unlike traditional development finance, this model focuses on the pre-construction phase—arguably the most constrained part of the housing pipeline.

Homes England has confirmed that the funding will support continued investment in new sites and accelerate planning activity across England, ultimately increasing the availability of land with planning permission.

Richborough’s role as a land promoter is central to this strategy. The company identifies land, secures planning permission at its own risk, and then sells “oven-ready” sites to housebuilders. By backing this stage of the process, Homes England is targeting a critical bottleneck in housing delivery.

Addressing the Planning System Bottleneck

One of the primary drivers behind the agreement is the growing inefficiency of the planning system. Decision times for major applications are now reportedly three times longer than they were a decade ago, creating delays that ripple across the entire development pipeline. (GOV.UK)

This slowdown has shifted the nature of the housing crisis. While access to development finance remains important, the more pressing issue is the limited flow of consented land. Without planning approvals, even well-capitalised developers cannot build.

By providing long-term capital, the debt facility enables Richborough to sustain momentum through extended planning timelines. This reduces the risk of stalled projects and ensures a steadier pipeline of sites ready for construction.

Scaling Up Housing Delivery

A key objective of the deal is to accelerate housing output in line with the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million homes during the current parliament.

The scale of ambition is substantial. The partnership is expected to help bring forward land capable of supporting more than 26,000 homes by 2030, with a projected gross development value exceeding £8 billion.

In the shorter term, Richborough plans to submit over 30 planning applications in 2026 alone, covering approximately 12,500 homes. This represents a significant increase in activity and highlights how access to capital can directly influence planning throughput.

The Role of the National Housing Bank

The agreement also serves as a test case for the National Housing Bank, a new government-backed vehicle aimed at unlocking housing and regeneration projects that the private market struggles to deliver independently.

Operating within Homes England, the Bank provides flexible financing across a range of structures, including debt, equity, and guarantees. Its purpose is not merely to inject capital, but to crowd in private investment and de-risk complex or long-term projects.

The Richborough deal illustrates this approach in practice. By supporting a land promoter rather than a housebuilder, the Bank is intervening earlier in the development lifecycle—where risks are higher but potential impact is significant.

Supporting the Wider Housing Ecosystem

Another important dimension of the agreement is its indirect impact on the broader housing sector. By increasing the supply of consented land, the facility benefits a wide range of stakeholders, including major housebuilders, housing associations, and small and medium-sized developers.

This is particularly relevant for SMEs, which often lack the resources to navigate complex planning processes independently. A larger pool of ready-to-develop sites lowers barriers to entry and promotes competition within the market.

Furthermore, the approach aligns with a “placemaking” agenda, ensuring that new developments are planned comprehensively before construction begins. This can lead to better-designed communities and more sustainable outcomes.

Economic and Market Implications

From an economic perspective, the deal reflects a growing recognition that housing supply constraints are as much about process as they are about funding. While increasing capital availability is important, it must be targeted effectively to address systemic inefficiencies.

The focus on land promotion suggests a shift towards upstream interventions—supporting the earliest stages of development to unlock downstream activity. If successful, this model could be replicated across other partnerships and regions.

However, the impact will not be immediate. As industry observers note, there remains a significant lag between planning approval and completed homes entering the market. This means that while the agreement may strengthen the pipeline, it will take time before it translates into increased housing supply on the ground.

A Long-Term Solution to a Structural Problem

Ultimately, the Homes England–Richborough debt facility is a strategic response to a structural issue within the UK housing system. By addressing the shortage of consented land and mitigating planning delays, the partnership aims to unlock a more consistent and scalable delivery model.

The decision reflects a broader policy shift towards proactive, government-backed investment mechanisms that work alongside the private sector. Rather than relying solely on market forces, initiatives like the National Housing Bank seek to intervene where barriers are greatest and impact is highest.

If the model proves effective, it could play a crucial role in reshaping how housing is financed and delivered in England—moving the sector closer to meeting long-term demand.

Developers Government Policy House Building Nationwide Sureties News

Stalled housing and employment sites to be unlocked

Thousands of new homes and jobs could be unlocked across England following the launch of a £165 million infrastructure fund aimed at removing barriers to stalled development sites. The UK Government’s new Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund will focus on delivering critical transport improvements needed to bring forward housing and employment projects that have struggled to progress due to funding constraints.

Set to launch in the coming weeks, the fund forms part of the wider Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), a £27 billion plan to upgrade and maintain England’s motorways and major A-roads between 2026 and 2031. The initiative supports the Government’s broader ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament while boosting economic growth and raising living standards.

The Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund is designed to bridge funding gaps for essential transport infrastructure, particularly at sites located on or near key strategic roads. By improving connectivity, the programme aims to unlock developments that have been delayed due to insufficient road access or capacity, enabling construction to begin and communities to benefit from new homes, jobs and local investment.

Secretary of State Heidi Alexander, said: “Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn’t there to support them. This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them. It is a deliberate choice – and a signal that this Government is serious about removing the barriers to growth.”

Housing Secretary Steve Reed, added: “For many people, the dream of a decent home, close to work, and with good connections to their community, has been out of reach. This government is firing on all cylinders to get spades in the ground faster so we can build new homes, bolster our transport links and create jobs in the places most in need. This is exactly the kind of targeted, practical action that will help us reach 1.5 million new homes and create thriving communities where people can put down roots.”

Delivery of the programme will be led by National Highways, which will invite local authorities to submit development sites for consideration. A rolling programme of funded schemes is expected to be published from the end of the 2026/27 financial year, providing long-term visibility for infrastructure investment and development planning.

National Highways Executive Director Elliot Shaw emphasised the importance of reliable road networks: “Reliable roads are crucial to housing developments. They shape where people want to live, where businesses want to invest, and where communities can thrive. This fund will help unlock the transport links needed for new homes and jobs and help the government achieve its ambitions on economic growth.”

At the core of RIS3 is a record £8.4 billion investment in renewing and resurfacing more than 9,000 kilometres of motorway and major A-road lanes. This will address a long-standing backlog of ageing infrastructure, including bridges, viaducts and concrete road surfaces. With around two-thirds of structures on the network now over 45 years old, the funding aims to extend asset life and improve safety and reliability.

The overall RIS3 programme is expected to support around 50,000 jobs across England over the five-year investment period, further reinforcing its role in driving economic activity alongside housing delivery.

By targeting infrastructure constraints that have historically delayed development, the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund represents a strategic effort to align transport investment with housing and economic priorities. If successful, it could accelerate the delivery of new homes, unlock employment opportunities and help create more connected, sustainable communities across the country.

Developers Government Policy Green Belt Nationwide Sureties

CPRE response to the Government’s Land Use Framework

The publication of the Government’s long-awaited Land Use Framework marks a significant moment in shaping how England balances competing demands on land, including housing, food production, energy and nature recovery. However, the response from Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) highlights deep concerns that the framework, while welcome in principle, may fall short of delivering meaningful change.

Context: A Framework for Competing Land Demands

The Government’s Land Use Framework aims to provide strategic guidance on how land in England should be used to meet climate targets, support biodiversity and accommodate development pressures. It reflects growing urgency around climate change, food security and access to green space, with ministers emphasising the need to make “the right decisions about our finite land.”

Yet, crucially, the framework is advisory rather than mandatory, intended to “steer” decision-making rather than impose binding rules on landowners or developers. This distinction is central to CPRE’s critique.

CPRE’s Core Criticism: Lack of Clear Direction

Ahead of the framework’s release, CPRE warned that it “will not solve the fundamental question” of how land should be prioritised across England. Their analysis suggests that without stronger direction, the framework risks becoming another high-level strategy that fails to address systemic issues in land use.

At the heart of CPRE’s response is concern over the absence of a clear spatial plan. The organisation argues that England needs a more explicit, map-based approach to determine where housing, nature recovery, farming and renewable energy should take precedence. Without this, competing interests may continue to be resolved inconsistently at local level.

CPRE’s position reflects its long-standing mission to protect rural landscapes from unplanned development while promoting sustainable land use.

The Brownfield-First Argument

A key pillar of CPRE’s response is its continued advocacy for a “brownfield-first” approach to development. Drawing on its own research, the charity has repeatedly highlighted that there is sufficient previously developed land to meet housing targets without encroaching on the countryside.

This argument is reinforced by earlier CPRE findings that over 1.4 million homes could be built on brownfield sites, reducing pressure on greenfield and Green Belt land.

Chief Executive Roger Mortlock has previously criticised current policy direction, stating that if government is serious about protecting the countryside, it “needs more teeth.” Although this comment predates the framework, it encapsulates CPRE’s broader stance: that guidance alone is insufficient without enforceable mechanisms.

Concerns Over the Countryside and Green Belt

CPRE has also raised concerns that the Land Use Framework does not adequately safeguard the countryside, particularly in the context of ongoing planning reforms and pressure to release Green Belt land.

The charity has been critical of policies such as the so-called “grey belt”, which it argues could lead to development on previously undeveloped land under the guise of low environmental value.

For CPRE, the framework should have provided stronger protections for rural areas while clearly prioritising land for nature recovery and sustainable farming. Instead, the absence of binding commitments risks continued incremental loss of countryside to housing and infrastructure.

Integration and Joined-Up Policy Making

Another major theme in CPRE’s response is the need for better integration across policy areas. Land use decisions intersect with agriculture, planning, climate policy and transport, yet these are often handled in silos.

CPRE has emphasised the importance of “integrating land use decision-making across sectors and scales”, arguing that tools already exist but are not being fully utilised.

The Land Use Framework is seen as an opportunity to bring these strands together, but CPRE suggests it does not go far enough in creating a truly joined-up system.

Balancing Climate, Nature and Food Security

While critical, CPRE acknowledges the scale of the challenge facing policymakers. The need to balance net zero targets, biodiversity restoration and food production is complex, particularly given finite land resources.

The Government estimates that only around 1% of land will be needed for renewable energy infrastructure, with potential for dual use such as grazing alongside solar or wind installations.

CPRE broadly supports the principle of multifunctional land use but stresses that without clear prioritisation, there is a risk that short-term economic pressures—particularly housing demand—will dominate decision-making.

A Missed Opportunity?

Overall, CPRE’s response frames the Land Use Framework as a step in the right direction but ultimately a missed opportunity for transformative change.

The organisation welcomes the recognition of land as a finite and strategic resource, as well as the focus on climate resilience and nature-based solutions. However, it argues that the framework lacks the clarity, authority and enforceability required to address England’s land use crisis.

By failing to provide a definitive plan for where development should and should not occur, the framework may leave local authorities and developers navigating the same tensions that have long characterised the planning system.

Conclusion

The CPRE response to the Government’s Land Use Framework underscores a fundamental tension in English land policy: the gap between ambition and implementation. While the framework sets out an important vision for balancing environmental and economic priorities, CPRE’s critique highlights the need for stronger direction, clearer spatial planning and enforceable policies.

As pressures on land continue to intensify, the success of the framework will likely depend on whether it evolves from a guiding document into a more robust system capable of delivering meaningful change for the countryside, communities and the environment.

Brownfield Construction Developers

Developers selected for Furnace Hill Regeneration in Sheffield

Sheffield is set to undergo one of its most ambitious urban regeneration projects in recent years, with plans to transform industrial brownfield land into vibrant new neighbourhoods. Central to this vision is the redevelopment of the Furnace Hill site, where a carefully chosen team of developers will deliver up to 750 new homes as part of a broader scheme that, in total, could yield around 1,300 homes across adjacent neighbourhoods.

The regeneration initiative is a collaborative effort between Sheffield City Council and Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. This partnership has appointed a trio of developers to lead the transformation of brownfield land at Furnace Hill and the nearby Neepsend site, breathing fresh life into areas long characterised by disused industrial buildings and unfinished infrastructure.

At Furnace Hill, the development will be driven by a joint venture between two well-established regeneration specialists: Capital&Centric and Great Places Housing Group. These firms have been selected for their combined expertise in delivering high-quality homes, community-focused design and sustainable neighbourhoods.

Capital&Centric is a Manchester-based developer with a strong reputation for revitalising urban spaces. Its projects across the North West and Yorkshire have emphasised not just housing delivery, but holistic community impact. The company pairs residential development with public realm improvements, creative workspaces and innovative community programmes.

Meanwhile, Great Places Housing Group is one of the UK’s largest housing associations, with significant experience in delivering affordable and sustainable homes. Its involvement in Furnace Hill reflects a commitment to creating mixed-tenure neighbourhoods where a blend of affordable, rented and owner-occupied properties can support long-term social stability.

Under the joint venture, the Furnace Hill scheme will deliver around 750 homes. These will be split evenly between affordable housing, homes for purchase and build-to-rent units, helping to ensure a diverse and inclusive community that meets a range of housing needs.

In a statement marking the appointment, Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, emphasised the importance of regenerating brownfield land to meet local housing demand. He described the plans as a key part of Sheffield’s long-term strategy to build 20,000 new homes in the city centre, reinforcing the council’s ambition to offer quality, affordable housing options for residents at all stages of life.

The joint venture partners have also spoken publicly about their aspirations for the site. John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, highlighted the strength of the partnership with Homes England and the potential to “unlock complex brownfield sites and create the neighbourhoods cities need.”

Echoing this sentiment, Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, said that the regeneration reflected the organisation’s focus on long-term, community-centred investment. She underscored the importance of creating “green spaces and vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods” that will serve local people for generations.

While the Furnace Hill site will form the larger portion of the housing total, the Neepsend site will be delivered separately by igloo Regeneration, which is responsible for around 430 homes of its own. Although Nesspend is technically a different project, the proximity and combined impact of both schemes support Sheffield’s broader urban growth ambitions.

igloo Regeneration brings its own pedigree to the city. As part of the Places for People group, igloo has a track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable developments with an emphasis on people-centred placemaking. Its portfolio includes projects in cities such as Nottingham and Leeds, and its approach to Neepsend includes integrated public spaces and heritage-focused design elements.

Funding for the project has also been supported by a significant government investment. In 2024, Homes England secured around £67 million in funding for land assembly and enabling infrastructure, a key enabler for progressing both Furnace Hill and Neepsend from plans to reality.

This regeneration scheme forms part of Sheffield’s wider strategy to revitalise under-utilised land and support sustainable urban growth. By reusing previously developed land, the city aims to accommodate increased housing demand while preserving greenfield sites and enhancing transport links, including connections to the city’s tram network.

In summary, the developers selected for the Furnace Hill regeneration represent a blend of housing sector expertise, regeneration vision and community focus. Capital&Centric and Great Places Housing Group will lead the transformation of the site into a mixed-tenure neighbourhood, supported by robust government investment and local authority ambition. Their involvement marks a significant milestone in Sheffield’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality housing and vibrant communities for the 21st century.

Construction Contracts Developers Nationwide Sureties

Clegg Construction secures Gateway 2 approval for £46m Sheffield build-to-rent scheme

Clegg Construction has secured Gateway 2 approval for a £46 million, 12-storey build-to-rent development in Sheffield, clearing a key regulatory hurdle under the Building Safety Act.

The Nottingham-based contractor, working on behalf of Liverpool developer Brickland, has received formal sign-off from the Building Safety Regulator for the 267-apartment Nursery Street scheme, allowing construction to progress.

Gateway 2 approval confirms that the design and construction plans meet the enhanced safety requirements introduced for higher-risk residential buildings, particularly those exceeding 18 metres in height.

Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator confirms that this development in Sheffield meets the most stringent of safety requirements.

“This approval means that we can now proceed to the next stage, with enabling work starting on site to deliver this 12-storey concrete-frame apartment project.”

The scheme will be delivered using a concrete frame construction, with enabling works now scheduled to begin following regulatory clearance.

Project team appointed

The professional team appointed to deliver the Nursery Street development includes:

Architect: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson
Built environment consultancy: Ridge
MEP consultant: Futurserv
Project manager and quantity surveyor: Egan Lucocq
Fire engineering: Design Fire Services

The development forms part of Sheffield’s growing build-to-rent sector, responding to continued demand for professionally managed rental accommodation in the city centre.

The Nursery Street project adds to a strong pipeline of residential schemes for Clegg Construction. The contractor has recently completed The Ironworks in Sheffield, a 12-storey residential building providing 229 apartments.

Elsewhere, Clegg has delivered Spinners Yard in Leeds and Gilders Yard in Birmingham, further strengthening its presence in the build-to-rent and urban residential markets.

Alongside residential development, the contractor remains active across non-residential construction in Sheffield, and is currently delivering a new Faculty of Health building at the University of Sheffield.

Developers Nationwide Sureties News

Emergency Guidance Issued by HSE Following Assent Collapse

In light of the sudden failure of Assent Building Control and its associated companies, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has moved swiftly to issue emergency guidance for higher-risk construction schemes. The collapse of Assent has created a regulatory and operational challenge for projects underway across the UK — and in this article we outline exactly what you as a developer, contractor or building owner must do now, how the guidance affects you, and what best practice steps you should adopt.

Why the Assent Collapse Matters for Building Control and Safety

The company Assent Building Control (alongside its subsidiaries) reportedly handled more than 30,000 projects a year and was registered as a building control approver under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR.)

When it ceased trading, this triggered disruption for both higher-risk buildings (HRBs) and non-HRB schemes:

The collapse left at least ten high-rise schemes in limbo at Gateway 2 stage.
The BSR has taken on responsibility for higher-risk schemes previously held by Assent, while non-HRB schemes revert to local authority unless a new registered building control approver (RBCA) is appointed.

The risk is that delays in building control approval, reallocation of oversight and confusion over responsibilities may lead to increased cost, programme disruption or – critically – compromised fire and structural safety. In this volatile environment, the HSE’s emergency guidance is effectively a regulatory “stop-work and reassess” directive for impacted sites.

Key Requirements of HSE’s Emergency Guidance

Immediate cessation and reassessment of higher-risk building projects

For projects classified as higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act regime, the guidance states that work must stop and cannot restart until approval to restart is obtained from the BSR.

Non-HRB projects: appointment of a new RBCA within 7 days

For non-higher-risk building works:

The developer/owner must appoint an alternative registered building control approver (RBCA) within seven days of the cancellation notice issued by Assent (or its subsidiaries.)
That new RBCA must submit a new “initial notice” to the local authority within seven days of the appointment.
If no new initial notice is submitted within the required timeframe, the project defaults to the local authority for control.

Responsibilities for principal contractors, developers and duty-holders

Under the guidance, key duty-holders must:

Verify whether their project is HRB or non-HRB.
Confirm whether Assent or its subsidiaries were acting as RBCA for their scheme.
Secure documentation (cancellation notice, project status, initial notices, etc).
Liaise with the BSR (for HRBs) or the relevant local authority (for non-HRBs) to secure continuity of building control.
Review risk assessments, fire-safety documentation and building-control condition compliance as part of the hand-over.

What It Means For Project Timelines and Cost Control

Programme disruption and potential cost increase

The immediate halting of higher-risk projects until approval is secured will inevitably delay programmes. With at least ten high-rise schemes already identified as affected, the ripple effect across construction supply-chains is clear.
Delays may incur additional contractor standing time, remobilisation costs or more expensive design/approval routes via the BSR.

Risk of insurance/contractual implications

Projects governed by contract conditions (eg. JCT, NEC) must consider:

Whether the cessation constitutes a change event or employer’s risk.
The potential liability for stand-down, latent defects or remobilisation.
Insurance cover may be challenged if building-control arrangements are seen as materially disrupted.

Impact on remediation and regulatory compliance

For HRBs especially, time is not on your side: legislative deadlines (for example under the Building Safety Act) must still be met. Failure to timely re-submit or continue may also draw enforcement action from the HSE or the BSR.

Best Practice Steps for Developers, Contractors and Duty-holders

Here is a practical checklist to navigate the disruption:

Identify all schemes where Assent/its subsidiaries acted as RBCA.
Categorise each project as HRB vs non-HRB by reference to the Building Safety Act definitions.
Secure all cancellation notices and project documentation from Assent/RBCA.
For HRBs – contact the BSR immediately, submit new application for building-control approval, and implement hold on site work until approval is confirmed.
For non-HRBs – appoint a replacement RBCA within seven days and ensure a new initial notice is submitted to the local authority within seven days.
Communicate with your supply-chain and finance teams to model cost/risk exposure from delays or remobilisation.
Review contracts and insurance policies to determine the effect of the disruption and safeguard your position.
Update your site safety file, fire-safety strategy and condition surveys to reflect any change in building-control oversight.
Engage with your accounting adviser (such as CMA Accountancy) for financial implications, including cash-flow, cost overruns and contingencies.
Monitor regulatory updates from both the HSE and the BSR — further guidance may follow as the sector responds.

Why This Guidance Signals Broader Industry Risks

The abrupt failure of Assent not only poses immediate project-specific disruption but also catalyses concern over sector resilience, capacity in building control and regulatory integrity. Some key issues emerging:

The collapse raises questions over oversight of building-control companies, their financial resilience and their role in higher-risk building projects.
With a heavy workload transferring to the BSR and local authorities, resource bottlenecks may develop, further exacerbating delays.
Developers and contractors must now build contingency planning for building-control failure, not simply design/construction risk.
From a fire-safety, health & safety and regulatory compliance perspective, the event is a reminder that duty-holders cannot rely solely on third-party approvers but must maintain oversight of control arrangements themselves.

While this guidance originates in the high-rise/residential sectors, its lessons extend into the logistics and haulage sector and for fleet operators in a number of ways:

Companies with in-house premises, multi-storey logistics hubs or multi-tenant industrial buildings must check whether their building-control approver has changed or is at risk.
If buildings are under construction or extension, the collapse of an approver firm may delay occupation, affecting logistics roll-out, warehousing availability and contractor mobilisation.
Insurance and bond providers (such as those engaged by haulage firms expanding depots) will treat this as a warning sign: due diligence must include verifying the stability of the building-control supply-chain.
Smaller businesses should consult firms such as CMA Accountancy to assess the financial impact of any delay or change in building-control approval on cash-flow, project finance and contractual commitments.

The HSE’s emergency guidance issued after the Assent collapse is a wake-up call for the construction sector – and for developers, contractors and duty-holders it demands immediate action. By taking a systematic approach — identifying affected projects, categorising them correctly, engaging with the appropriate regulator and updating contracts/insurance — stakeholders can mitigate delay, liability and cost. The collapse of a building-control firm may seem niche, but its consequences are wide-ranging and underline the importance of robust risk-management across all stages of the build-process.

Construction Developers Government Policy Homes England Nationwide Sureties

Homes England funds affordable housing growth

Homes England has once again reaffirmed its pivotal role in driving forward sustainable housing growth across England. With hundreds of new homes backed by substantial public investment, the latest funding round is expected to unlock strategic development sites, catalyse regeneration, and accelerate the delivery of affordable housing aligned with local and national needs.

The agency’s funding packages, part of the government’s broader housing acceleration plans, are being deployed to tackle brownfield land constraints, improve local infrastructure, and support housebuilders in bringing forward quality developments that might otherwise stall due to financial or technical barriers.

New house build Homes England — Photo by Steffen Coonan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photo-of-brown-3-story-house-2098624/

Multi-Million Pound Allocations Support Regional Regeneration Plans

Recent announcements detail how the agency is allocating multi-million-pound grants through the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) and the Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund (BILF). These schemes are actively facilitating:

The transformation of former industrial land into thriving residential neighbourhoods
The delivery of new homes where market demand is acute, but financial viability remains a barrier
Infrastructure-led site preparation to support mixed-tenure housing solutions

Examples include:

Wolverhampton and the Black Country: Over £15 million committed to the preparation of contaminated land to enable the construction of more than 800 homes
Bradford, West Yorkshire: A £10 million investment unlocking 500 new homes, including a significant proportion of social rent properties
Milton Keynes: Targeted support to deliver high-density urban living in proximity to transport nodes

These projects reflect Homes England’s commitment to levelling up communities and ensuring funding supports tangible outcomes aligned with local development frameworks.

Enabling SME Housebuilders Through Tailored Investment

While much attention centres around large-scale strategic sites, Homes England’s tailored financial tools are also empowering SME builders to participate in housing delivery. By offering development finance via the Home Building Fund, the agency reduces barriers for small developers who often struggle to secure commercial loans.

Notable impact includes:

Increasing build-out rates on small sites under 50 units
Reviving underutilised plots in town centres and village cores
Diversifying housing design and construction methods, particularly offsite modular techniques

The move aligns with the government’s target to increase housing supply beyond the 300,000 homes per year ambition, whilst diversifying market participants and construction typologies.

Driving Sustainability and Modern Methods of Construction

Homes England funding agreements increasingly mandate the use of sustainable construction practices and encourage developers to exceed minimum energy performance standards. Many funded projects now integrate:

Air source heat pumps and solar PV systems
Modular construction to reduce onsite waste and accelerate build times
Biodiversity net gain initiatives across developments

Such innovations not only reduce the carbon footprint of new homes but also set a precedent for future housing policy frameworks.

Case Study: Midlands Urban Renewal Project

A flagship scheme in the Midlands exemplifies how strategic Homes England funding can transform urban dereliction into vibrant housing districts. The scheme, comprising over 1,200 homes, combines:

£22 million in brownfield remediation funding
Strategic partnership with a local housing association
A tenure mix of 40% affordable housing, 30% shared ownership, and 30% open market sale

The project is integrated with local bus rapid transit routes, active travel links, and green infrastructure, representing a model of sustainable urbanism.

Partnership Working with Local Authorities and Developers

Homes England operates not merely as a funding body but as an enabler and partner in placemaking. Their proactive collaboration with:

Combined authorities
Local planning bodies
Registered providers
Private sector developers

ensures alignment of investment with local priorities, infrastructure delivery, and housing need. The agency’s new Strategic Place Partnerships framework is expected to formalise these relationships, offering a consistent and scalable model for future delivery.

A Data-Led, Place-Based Approach to Housing Growth

By leveraging granular data and spatial modelling, Homes England is identifying the most impactful interventions. The agency’s place-based approach is underpinned by:

Market analytics on supply and demand trends
Site constraint modelling
Viability assessments and delivery risk mapping

This rigorous evidence-based methodology ensures public funds achieve maximum leverage, delivering not just homes, but cohesive communities with access to jobs, transport, and services.

Funding That Delivers on Policy, People, and Place

Homes England remains at the forefront of efforts to transform the housing landscape of England. Through strategic investments, robust partnerships, and a focus on innovation and inclusion, the agency is turning stalled sites and underperforming land into opportunity.

As local and national ambitions for housing and regeneration evolve, Homes England’s role as a delivery agency will remain central to ensuring that communities across the country benefit from new homes that are affordable, sustainable, and future-ready.

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Government’s comprehensive plan for change

In a decisive move to bolster the United Kingdom’s infrastructure and stimulate economic growth, the government has unveiled the “Plan for Change“. This ambitious initiative aims to streamline the planning process, accelerate major infrastructure projects, and address the nation’s housing shortage, thereby laying the foundation for a more prosperous future.

Streamlining Legal Challenges to Infrastructure Projects

A significant component of the Plan for Change involves reforming the legal framework that governs challenges to major infrastructure developments. At present, projects can face up to three legal challenges, often resulting in lengthy delays and increased costs. The new plan proposes limiting such challenges to a single instance, thereby reducing the time and resources expended on legal proceedings.

Government data reveals that 58% of all major infrastructure decisions are subjected to court challenges, with each case taking an average of 18 months to resolve. Notable projects delayed by such challenges include the East Anglia wind farms, Sizewell C nuclear power station, and the A47 National Highway Project. By restricting the number of legal challenges, the government aims to expedite project timelines and alleviate pressure on the judicial system.

Image of countryside that could be a target for Plan for Change — Image by Peter H from Pixabay

Accelerating Housing Development Near Transport Hubs

Addressing the housing crisis is a central pillar of the Plan for Change. The government has set an ambitious target to deliver 1.5 million homes within the current parliamentary term. A key strategy to achieve this goal is the promotion of residential development around England’s commuter train stations. By introducing a “presumption in favour of building” and zoning schemes prioritising development near transport hubs, the plan seeks to improve access to jobs and enhance living standards.

Inspired by successful initiatives in cities such as Manchester, these planning reforms aim to reduce bureaucratic barriers and hasten the construction of new homes. Major housebuilders have welcomed these measures, recognising them as a positive step towards more efficient planning and development.

Revitalising the Oxford-Cambridge Arc

In a bid to position the UK as a global leader in innovation, the government has revived plans to develop the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, envisioned as a rival to Silicon Valley. This initiative aims to double the economic output of the region by 2035 through significant investment in research and development. The project has the potential to add £78 billion to the UK economy and has garnered support from key stakeholders, including university leaders and major firms such as AstraZeneca UK and Arm.

However, the plan faces challenges, including local opposition to new developments, housing shortages, and infrastructure requirements. The government has pledged to address these issues, with plans to construct 1.5 million homes and prioritise development to unlock the Arc’s full potential.

Expanding Airport Infrastructure to Boost Connectivity

Improving the UK’s connectivity is another focus of the Plan for Change. The government supports major airport expansions, including a third runway at Heathrow Airport and full-time use of Gatwick Airport’s second runway. These developments aim to increase airport capacity in southeast England, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

The proposed third runway at Heathrow involves upgrading existing infrastructure and adhering to environmental standards. At Gatwick, a £2.2 billion investment could operationalise the second runway by the end of the decade, generating substantial economic benefits. Furthermore, Luton Airport’s expansion plans await government approval, aiming to double passenger capacity with a new terminal.

Implementing the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan

The Plan for Change aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which details how the government will support the delivery of infrastructure projects and programmes. The plan highlights the importance of both public and private sector investment in achieving the nation’s infrastructure ambitions.

The latest National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline outlines projected and planned investment over the next ten years, with a total value of £600 billion. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to revitalising the UK’s infrastructure and driving long-term economic growth.

On the Plan for Change, prime minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges – using our court processes to frustrate growth.

“We’re putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the NIMBYs and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.

“This is the government’s Plan for Change in action – taking the brakes off Britain by reforming the planning system so it is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure.

“The current first attempt – known as the paper permission stage – will be scrapped. And primary legislation will be changed so that where a judge in an oral hearing at the High Court deems the case Totally Without Merit, it will not be possible to ask the Court of Appeal to reconsider. To ensure ongoing access to justice, a request to appeal second attempt will be allowed for other cases.”

Melanie Leech CBE, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “We can build great infrastructure in the UK – eventually. From power stations to bypasses, we take longer to deliver important national projects than other developed nations, and that has to change.

“If we want to grow the economy and fund vital public services, then we have to better balance environmental and community interests with the benefits of development, and do so in a clear and timely way. Reducing the scope for vexatious and unmerited legal challenges, whilst retaining a right to appeal, is a very positive step in achieving this.”

However, Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said: “The government should bring people together to tackle the climate emergency, not set them against each other with tired, divisive language.

“Campaigners bringing legal challenges only do so because they think the law is being broken. Allowing judges to block these concerns as ‘totally without merit’ is anti-democratic and, when it comes to the climate crisis, dangerously short-sighted.

“Climate change is the single biggest threat to the countryside. It’s clear we’ve got to build a clean energy grid fit for the future but the best way to achieve this is with local communities involved from the start.

“The UK could learn from countries such as Ireland and Australia, which involve communities in decision making from the beginning, reducing the need for lengthy and expensive legal processes without eroding democracy. For everyone’s sake, we should be building consensus, not dismissing people with real ideas and solutions as ‘blockers’.”

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Rising insolvencies among contractors and sub-contractors in the UK construction industry

The UK construction industry has been grappling with an alarming increase in the number of insolvencies amongst contractors and sub-contractors. Data released by the Government’s Insolvency Service reveals that there have been 2,514 cases of insolvency within the sector, underscoring significant financial pressures and operational challenges facing many firms.

Economic Headwinds and Market Pressures

The construction industry has been affected by a convergence of economic pressures in recent years. Rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and inflationary pressures have all placed immense strain on contractors and sub-contractors. Many companies, already operating on thin profit margins, have been unable to absorb these increased costs. Additionally, late payments from clients and increasing project delays have compounded financial vulnerabilities, pushing many businesses into unsustainable debt.

Termination graphic — Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Impact of Rising Material and Labour Costs

The cost of materials has risen substantially since 2020, largely due to supply chain disruptions caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The price of key materials, such as steel, cement, and timber, has surged, forcing contractors to bear escalating project expenses. Sub-contractors, who often operate on fixed-price contracts, are particularly affected, as they have little flexibility to adjust prices mid-project.

Labour shortages have also been a notable factor, with fewer skilled workers available in the market. Many contractors have had to offer higher wages to retain and attract workers, putting additional strain on project budgets. The resulting increases in operational costs have left many firms in precarious financial positions, unable to meet financial obligations as they arise.

Cash Flow Constraints and Late Payments

Cash flow remains one of the most pressing issues in the construction sector, with contractors frequently experiencing delayed payments from clients. This delay can trickle down through the supply chain, leaving sub-contractors without timely payments for completed work. A recent survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) revealed that over 60% of construction businesses in the UK have reported issues with late payments from clients.

Late payments disrupt cash flow and limit the ability of companies to invest in necessary resources and manage day-to-day operational costs. For smaller contractors and sub-contractors, who often rely on steady cash flow to fund ongoing projects, these delays can be particularly debilitating. When cash flow becomes insufficient to cover rising costs, insolvency can quickly become a reality.

Energy Prices and Operational Costs

Rising energy costs have also contributed to the insolvency rates within the construction sector. With many projects requiring substantial energy consumption for machinery, lighting, and other operational necessities, increased energy prices have eaten into already-tight profit margins.

The government’s initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable construction practices, while essential for the long-term health of the industry, have in the short term introduced additional costs and regulatory requirements. Smaller firms, especially, struggle to adapt to these changing requirements due to the limited capital to invest in energy-efficient technologies.

The Broader Economic Environment

The broader economic environment has exacerbated these challenges. High inflation rates and rising interest rates have affected the availability of affordable financing, making it more challenging for contractors to access loans for growth or even to maintain liquidity. As a result, many firms have been forced to operate without sufficient financial cushioning, leaving them vulnerable to even minor cash flow disruptions.

Government Response and Industry Support

The government has introduced some initiatives to support struggling businesses, including the Construction Playbook, which encourages best practices in procurement, project management, and risk allocation. However, many industry leaders argue that more targeted financial support is necessary to address the root causes of insolvency. Measures to enforce timely payments, reduce the burden of compliance for smaller firms, and address material price volatility could be beneficial in stabilising the industry.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has called for further action, urging the government to address supply chain issues and provide support for companies transitioning to greener construction practices. Increased awareness and understanding of construction sector challenges amongst policymakers could help improve the longevity and resilience of firms, particularly those that play vital roles in regional economies.

The high rate of insolvencies among contractors and sub-contractors in the UK construction industry reflects significant structural issues exacerbated by economic pressures. Addressing these challenges will require both government intervention and industry collaboration to mitigate risks, encourage prompt payments, and manage escalating costs. Without targeted support, the industry faces continued financial strain, potentially leading to more insolvencies and greater uncertainty for the construction sector’s future stability.

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