Our July 2026 Newsletter
This month, we’ve continued to explore many of the key themes currently influencing the built environment, from sustainable drainage and climate resilience through to structural efficiency, site disposal and long-term project performance. A particular highlight from the past month was the publication of our new report, written in conjunction with the Home Builders Federation (HBF), examining Sustainable Drainage Systems and the opportunities we’ve identified in Wales to support greater consistency, certainty and efficiency ahead of guidance becoming legislation across England. This month, we also shared some exciting leadership news as we continue to grow and evolve following our recent partnership with CBPE. Plus, read on to take a look back at our latest thought leadership article covering development viability, as well as three podcast episodes from the past few weeks.
New Report: SuDS Challenges & Solutions
This month, we were pleased to publish a new report in partnership with the HBF, exploring Sustainable Drainage Systems for residential developments.
Drawing on industry experience and engagement with stakeholders from across the development sector, our report looks at key themes emerging from the current Welsh SuDS framework and highlights opportunities to support greater consistency, certainty and efficiency throughout the approval and delivery process.
Whilst focused on Wales, many of the solutions explored will play an increasingly important role in shaping successful developments as guidance transforms into legislation, and is rolled out across England and beyond.
You can read more about it here
New Leadership, New Landscape Webinar
Richard Moorcroft and Lee Witts recently hosted a bonus webinar session exploring the potential implications of the most recent political changes on the development sector.
They talked through how the changes could potentially influence policy, investor confidence and market activity, as well as what practical steps developers should be looking at, as the wider political and economic landscape continues to shift.
If you missed it, watch back now via our YouTube channel to learn more about what the changing UK political landscape means for those across the industry.
This Month’s Podcast Episodes
We’ve released more new podcast episodes this month, covering topics including site disposal and building for climate resilience.
In episode one, Site Disposal: Getting it Right and Locking in Value, Lee Witts and Adam Melia were joined by special guest Ruth McKeown, Executive Director at Hallam Land. They explored the importance of planning, technical and commercial preparation, and how a coordinated approach can help create confidence, demonstrate development potential and support successful site disposal outcomes.
During episode two, Climate Change Adaption, Katie Glaze was joined by two special guests, Mark Standen of BRE and Pantelis Lavantis of Ecoveritas. The three of them discussed how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns should be informing the way new buildings are designed, operated and maintained for long-term performance. They also covered practical retrofit opportunities to help improve the resilience of existing buildings, with lessons learned from developments across Europe.
Catch up on all episodes of the Brookbanks Podcast via our YouTube channel for more expert insights across planning, engineering, development and infrastructure delivery.
Strengthening Our Leadership Team
Following our recent partnership announcement with CBPE, we are pleased to share some recent promotions within our leadership team, that reflect the continued growth of Brookbanks and the next stage in our journey. If you would like to learn more about this, read our update here.
Andrew Thorley has taken on the role of Chief Executive, Richard Moorcroft has become Chief Technical Officer, and Rachel Appleby has been appointed Group Operations Director.
These changes support our continued focus on technical excellence, operational performance and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Andrew, Richard and Rachel will continue to work closely with our wider leadership team to support our people, strengthen our multidisciplinary offering and guide the direction of Brookbanks.
If you would like to find out more about our new partnership, please see our news article below. Alternatively, if you have any questions, please email Rachel Appleby, at rachel.appleby@brookbanks.com or reach out via LinkedIn.
More News
Brookbanks Podcast #22: Planning, Engineering & Reality
August 4, 2026
Development projects often begin with a clear vision, a well-considered masterplan and ambitious objectives for the future of a site. As schemes progress, planning, infrastructure, engineering and commercial considerations all play a role in shaping how that vision is ultimately delivered. In the latest episode of the Brookbanks Podcast, Lee Witts, Group Director, and Richard Moorcroft, Chief Technical Officer, discuss the relationship between planning aspirations and delivery realities, exploring how projects evolve as they move through the development lifecycle. Drawing on their experience across planning, infrastructure and project delivery, Lee and Richard share their perspectives on why plans can sometimes look different on paper than they do when a scheme reaches delivery, and how greater collaboration between disciplines can help create stronger outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
Brookbanks Podcast Episode #21: Climate Change Adaptation
July 27, 2026
In this episode of the Brookbanks Podcast, Katie Glaze, our Director of Sustainability, is joined by Mark Standen of BRE and Pantelis Levantis of Ecoveritas to discuss climate change adaptation and what it means for the future of the built environment in the UK. The conversation explores how designers, developers and portfolio owners can respond to rising temperatures, changing weather patterns and evolving climate conditions, alongside practical measures that can improve building resilience and long-term performance.