NEWS

 ‘Constructing the Gold Standard’ sets out an integrated and collaborative approach to framework procurement, contract­ing and management. It is endorsed by public sector clients and by 50 industry bodies in the September 2022 update of the ‘Construction Playbook’. In 2021, Professor David Mosey CBE was asked by the Cabinet Office to carry out an Independent Review of Public Sector Construction Frameworks. He consulted 120 organisa­tions and ‘Constructing the Gold [...]

With a new government come lots of aspirations for reform and improvement of the planning system - only time will tell whether these are effective. Apart from revision of the National Planning Policy Framework and the method of mea­suring housing need with associated reinstatement of manda­tory housing supply numbers in local plans, etc (see NPPF report opposite), some changes In the pipeline include further attention to planning department resourcing [...]

Robert Peake of Management for Design identifies key considerations for the leadership In the dynamic and competitive landscape of architecture, the ability to effectively implement strategic plans is crucial for sustained success and growth. However, many firms struggle to turn their strategic visions into tangible outcomes. We'll explore the key considerations for practices looking to make strategy happen effectively. 1. Aligning Vision with Execution: It's essential for architecture firms [...]

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) secured royal assent for the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act on 26 October 2023. A full summary of the act’s proposals, many of which require secondary legislation and therefore do not come into effect straight away, is included in the box. Meanwhile, the NPPF is being reissued, with on-going minor changes such as relaxed planning rules for onshore wind production, [...]

Patrick Inglis explains the new mandatory role of Building Regulations Principal Designer A key part of the Building Safety Act 2022 came into effect on 1 October 2023. From this date a new mandatory role of Building Regulations Principal Designer (not to be confused with the separate role of principal designer under the CDM regulations), will be required for any construction projects which are subject to building regulations approval.!A [...]

The ACA responded to the latest Government consultation on permitted development rights. Previous experience suggests it is very likely that the proposed changes will be implemented regardless of what consultees say. Here’s a summary We do not agree that prior approvals for design or external appearance in existing permitted development rights should be replaced by consideration of design codes where they are in place locally because good design codes [...]