Clarion strongly criticised for its complaint handling failings

The Housing Ombudsman plans to conduct an investigation of property maintenance  services at the country’s largest social housing landlord after issuing two severe maladministration findings within a few weeks of each other. After the second critical judgement was published Richard... View Article

Complaints against property agents provides mixed feedback

The annual report on complaints made against property agents showed a slight increase in overall numbers, but a reduction in the complaints made against individual agents. The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) is operated by the Hamilton Fraser Group, owners of mydeposits, Landlord Action, Total... View Article

Achieving 
quantity and quality

Patrick Mooney, housing consultant and news editor of Housing, Management & Maintenance magazine, asks: has good design been squeezed out by our efforts to increase housing supply? “Too many housing estates are designed for nowhere in particular. They can be... View Article

Delivering emissions reductions

Marc Nickels of Kingspan Technical Insulation discusses how one substantial source of embodied emissions – building services haulage and deliveries – can be reduced on residential developments. The UK Green Building Council anticipates that by 2035, embodied carbon emissions may... View Article

Garden lighting: How to plan your own installation

When it comes to garden lighting, knowing what and where to illuminate can seem confusing. In this article, Rachel Morris of 4Lite offers her advice on how to approach your own installation. An effective lighting installation can transform gardens, improving... View Article

JRA completes Bloom Clerkenwell

John Robertson Architects (JRA) has completed Bloom Clerkenwell, one of London’s most dynamic and prominent workspace developments in recent years, occupying a site adjacent to London’s Farringdon station. The HB Reavis development comprises 14,500 m² of Grade A workspace across... View Article

Did the queen’s speech deliver?

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), discusses his views on the recent Queen’s Speech, and how it compared with industry expectations. My previous two columns have touched on my hopes for a reformed planning process to... View Article

Estate of independence

Before newly-independent housing association Salix Homes got involved, other contenders had been put off by the scale of demolition needed at a major estate renovation in Salford. Terry McBride of Salix explains to Jack Wooler how they achieved vital community... View Article

Bringing a sense of community

Plaza Collection is a ‘community’ of over 700 units being created in Mill Hill, London, with its focal point a new landscaped plaza alongside extensive commercial space. Terence Luo, director at developer Poly UK, talks to Jack Wooler about the... View Article

Bringing glass back 
into balconies

Andy Lake of Pyroguard explores how glass can be used safely in balcony applications, as well as the various factors for housebuilders and developers to consider to ensure the right solution is specified. It’s no secret that housebuilders and developers... View Article

A holistic approach to heating efficiency

Ashley Cooper of WMS explains why underfloor heating is in the spotlight following new requirements in the Building Regulations, and how the housebuilders can benefit from taking a holistic approach to system design. Following enforcement of the low water temperature... View Article