Brookbanks Latest News

In this webinar we explore where the two disciplines of acoustics and sustainability intersect in the healthcare sector. Using practical examples, Tom Quaife-Jones and Katie Glaze explain how early co ordination can improve improve performance, protect patient wellbeing and keep projects moving.

In September, we’ve continued to share our thoughts and expertise on the key themes currently influencing the built environment. In our podcasts, we covered the current policy initiatives HBF are in conversation with the government about as well as light gauge steel frame design and its differences and advantages over traditional structural materials. For our monthly webinar, Tom Quaife-Jones and Katie Glaze shared their knowledge on the growing challenge of reducing carbon and energy consumption while supporting wellbeing in healthcare environments.

The Government's announcement of the new Your First Home scheme has understandably attracted attention for its potential to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder. However, the most significant impact of the policy may lie elsewhere. The bigger question for the development industry is whether it can restore confidence across the housing delivery pipeline and provide a stimulus for new housing supply at a time when viability pressures continue to constrain development activity.

The most successful projects don’t just use due diligence to identify the constraints of a site. They use it to understand what is possible. Early investigations help provide the evidence needed to inform acquisition and investment decisions, whilst enhancing deliverability and commercial performance.

As the construction industry continues to look for efficient, adaptable and sustainable building solutions, light gauge steel is becoming an increasingly valuable option across a wide range of projects. From vertical extensions and low-rise structural frames to internal partitions, risers and specialist fire barrier systems, its versatility makes it a material worth considering early in the design process.

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.

In August, we’ve continued to share our thoughts and expertise on the key themes currently influencing the built environment. In our podcasts, we covered SuDS and the gap between planning, Engineering and the reality of projects. For our monthly webinar, Toby Crayden shared his knowledge on Drainage Verification Reports, and last week we published an article on the changes being made to SAP calculations with the introduction of the Home Energy Model. This month we also saw the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026). Our specialists came together to review the framework and give detailed thoughts on the changes it included, as well as the implications these changes mean for development strategy, plan-making and project delivery. Read on to catch up on all the latest…

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.