Welcome to PBC Today February 2020. In this issue, we hear from Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, who assesses the planning landscape in 2020
Elsewhere in this edition of PBC Today, Ibrahim Imam, co-founder of PlanRadar, sets out five things the construction industry needs from Boris Johnson’s government, while Simon Lewis and Michelle Essen of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson look back at some of the key legal issues for the sector in 2019 and what’s in store for the year ahead.
There’s also a look at the Conservation Hierarchy, a new framework developed by the University of Oxford to help projects achieve Biodiversity New Gain – improving infrastructure while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
In addition, Lachlan Anderson-Frank of planning consultancy Lichfields examines the role of Garden Communities in housing delivery, Thomas Owen of Re:Space discusses the seemingly cursed megaproject and Professor Robert Hairstans talks about the launch of the Trimble Technology Lab at Edinburgh Napier University.
There’s much more besides, from Jackie Maginnis of the MPBA on the growth of modular construction and Homes England’s £30m investment in ilke Homes to digital transformation in FM, fire safety post-Grenfell and tackling the accessible housing “timebomb”.
Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in PBC Today February:
Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, looks at the key planning system issues that need to be addressed in 2020.
Simon Lewis and Michelle Essen of WBD take a look at some of the key legal changes and industry developments for construction in 2019, and highlight a few things to expect in 2020.
The Conservation Hierarchy is a new framework developed by the University of Oxford to help construction projects achieve Biodiversity Net Gain – improving infrastructure while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
Emma Dickson, chair of the Construction Scotland Industry Leadership Group’s Skills Working Group, examines the challenge of recruiting – and retaining – the next generation of construction professionals.
Michael Gerard of construction and engineering law firm Michael Gerard Solicitors looks at the legalities and liabilities around the issue of email fraud.
A new report from Mitie looks at the rise of digital transformation in M&E services. Here, Carlo Alloni, managing director of technical services at Mitie, discusses the findings and the business benefits of embracing digital.
2020 must be a year of great change in affordable housing. Modular construction offers a solution, says Richard Hyams of architect astudio.
In November, Homes England announced £30m to boost production at ilke Homes’ factory, marking the first time a UK government agency has directly invested in modular housing production. Executive chairman Dave Sheridan discusses the importance of the deal in the wider context of efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
Dr Dave Smith, export manager of the Fire Industry Association, looks at the changing landscape for competency in the wake of the Grenfell disaster and Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of fire safety and the Building Regulations.
A new coalition of campaigning organisations and housing associations are demanding action to ensure all new homes are accessible and adaptable.
