We are pleased to share our Article on the OFGEM Electricity Charges. As always, if you would like to understand how these changes will affect your development, then please contact us and we will be happy to assist
Following the OFGEM published Access and Forward-Looking Charges Significant Code Review: Final Decision document in May 2022 regarding significant changes to the electricity charging arrangements, Brookbanks are delighted to hear that these are planned to go ahead in April 2023.
Currently, developers will be required to pay proportions of the required upgrade works when the local network is at/close to capacity. Adding significant offsite routing costs can result in substantial costs to developers. However, at long last, this matter is looking like it is finally coming under at least some semblance of control.
The changes are likely to lessen financial issues to developers when significant reinforcements and developers will no longer be required to fund straightforward reinforcement works, depending on the threshold, for the majority of Sites. This will mean that a substantial element of large costs currently being seen on quotations could be eliminated.
There are still some limitations, including:
Brookbanks are currently working with and liaising with DNO’s across the country to understand further implications of these changes, to ensure our clients receive the best value outcome for their Site.
If you would like to understand how these changes will affect your development, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) is fast approaching, coming into operation in England on 1 October 2026. Much of the industry discussion so far has understandably focused on the rate of the levy, and its potential impact and importance as part of development planning. However, for many developers, the timing of the payment may be as important, if not more, than the amount itself.
Residential As the UK continued to face pressure to deliver more homes, the housebuilding sector was operating in a complex and fast-moving environment. From policy reform and planning uncertainty to skills availability and new regulatory requirements, the conditions shaping residential development remained firmly in focus. The latest episode of the Brookbanks Podcast our Head of Cost & Commercial, Ben Wakeling sat down with Neil Jefferson, CEO of Home Builders Federation to discuss the current policy and initiatives HBF are in conversation with the Government about. Drawing on their experience across residential build planning, Ben and Neil share their perspectives on where the UK housebuilding industry currently stands, whether there is enough labour force to keep up with property building demands and the opinion of how the building safety levy will affect the industry.
Requests for drainage verification reports from local authorities as part of development approval have become increasingly frequent, as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have been introduced as guidance across England, following their mandatory introduction in Wales in 2019. Planning authorities are placing greater emphasis on demonstrating that the designed drainage system for a development has been built in accordance with the approved design, is performing as intended, and will operate effectively once the development is occupied. In our latest webinar, Toby Crayden, Civils Technical Director, explored what a good drainage verification report should look like, the common hurdles that need to be overcome, and how early engagement and good record-keeping can make the process more straightforward, reduce delays and costs.