News

Householders have no idea that they may require planning permission to pave over their driveways, according to new research commissioned by Brett Landscaping.

According to the National Housebuilding Council's latest figures, 9,163 new homes were started in October, the highest number since July 2008.

Quantity surveyor Paul Morrell is expected to be announced as chief construction adviser this week, according to Building.

A new housing project in Northern Ireland will include homes that are so energy efficient they will have no need for central heating.

Builders merchant Travis Perkins has expanded its branch in Leatherhead with a kitchen showroom from sister company Benchmarx.

Builders merchant Jewson and sister plumbers merchant Graham are to deliver a series of roadshows under their Greenworks sustainable building solutions brand. The events will highlight the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Sales of cement, aggregates and ready mixed concrete fell including significantly year-on-year in the three months to September, according to the Mineral Products Association.

The case brought by the Environment Agency Wales against Castle Cement, (now called Hanson Cement,) has been adjourned until December 3.

Cutting planning red tape to deliver low carbon homes is welcome news but it needs to be part of an overall package to help householders retrofit their homes, warns the Federation of Master Builders.

The purchase of Howie Forest Products by BSW Timber will boost the latter's annual sawn timber capacity to more than one million cubic metres.