The Week That Was - 6 September 2024

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Final Grenfell Tower report released 

The final report of the six-year public inquiry on the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in 2017, was released on 4 September 2024.  The 1700-page report describes a "path to disaster" at Grenfell and finds that the fire was the result of failures by multiple parties, including "decades of failures" by successive governments and "systematic dishonesty" by cladding and insulation manufacturers.  The inquiry has concluded that the way building safety is managed in England and Wales is "seriously defective", and recommends the introduction of a single construction regulator and secretary of state to oversee the issue.  Other proposed changes include a revision of the industry's fire safety guidance.

You can read more here.

Building Safety Regulator opens investigation into Dagenham fire 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the fire at a seven-story residential building in Dagenham on 26 August 2024. The fire, attended by 225 firefighters, raised concerns about the role of the cladding in its spread, particularly as the building was undergoing cladding remediation works

HSE inspectors from the HSE's Building Safety Division, operating as the Building Safety Regulator, and inspectors from its Investigations Unit have now visited the site to assess how the remediation work was conducted and whether the responsible parties complied with their duties under the Building Safety Act.  The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is also investigating the fire's causes and the HSE will collaborate with the LFB, police, and local authorities during its investigation.

Following the fire, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, and Minister for Building Safety, Rushanara Ali, have urged faster progress on remediation work, as official figures have identified over 2,300 buildings with unresolved safety issues.

You can read more here. 

Government launches New Homes Accelerator

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, has launched the New Homes Accelerator, a taskforce of experienced officials from the Ministry of Housing and Homes England, who will work across government and with local councils to accelerate the building of housing schemes delayed by planning and red tape.

The Government's initial analysis has identified around 200 sites where outline or detailed plans are ready but construction has been delayed, and the taskforce has already started work on some of these sites.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has called for developers, local authorities and housebuilders to come forward with details of large-scale housing developments that are delayed, so that the government can better understand the scale of the problem and determine what support it can provide, including strategic advice, planning assistance, or facilitation with stakeholders.

You can read more here and here.

Shaw and Jagger Architects secure planning permission for Woodfold Villa

After an initial rejection for planning permission by Ribble Valley District Council in September 2023, due to the scheme's "urbanising impact" and potential harm to the visual amenity of the area, Shaw and Jagger Architects' appeal for Woodfold Villa has now been allowed on the basis that it meets the 'country house clause' planning exemption, as set out in paragraph 84e of the National Planning Policy Framework.

This exemption permits new, isolated homes in the countryside if the design is of exceptional quality, reflects the highest standards in architecture, and the property would significantly enhance its immediate surroundings.

This is one of just 150 proposals which have been granted under this exemption since 1997, and it also marks Shaw and Jagger's second successful application in recent years.

The project has an anticipated total cost of circa £6 million, with completion expected by April 2027.

You can read more here.

SimpsonHaugh given go-ahead for five towers in Manchester

SimpsonHaugh has secured approval for five residential skyscrapers in Manchester, including a landmark 71-storey tower, two 51-storey towers and two 47-storey towers.

The development, part of the Great Jackson Street regeneration framework, will include residential units, commercial space, and parking facilities. However, none of the planned 2,388 new homes will be designated as affordable.   Manchester City Council has approved the plans despite this, stating that on-site affordable housing was "unviable" for this development and planning officers have reported that a future review mechanism might secure off-site affordable housing via a s106 agreement. Despite the affordable housing concerns, local councillors have supported the project.

SimpsonHaugh also has submitted plans for a 76-storey tower in Manchester, although its approval remains pending.

You can read more here.

Court backs the Government over A38 flyover scheme

A High Court judge has rejected a legal challenge by campaigners seeking to prevent road improvements at three major junctions on the A38 in Derby.  Works to the Kingsway, Little Eaton and Markeaton roundabouts have been in the planning process since 2014.

The campaign group, "Stop the A38 Expansion", has argued that the project was approved without an updated economic assessment, but Judge Tim Mould ruled that the Department for Transport had acted appropriately. The £250 million project, aimed at reducing congestion, was first proposed in 2001 but has faced multiple delays.

Despite the legal setback, campaigners plan to appeal, citing concerns over environmental and public health impacts of the road improvements.  National Highways has said that the works can now proceed, subject to a review of capital projects by the Labour Government.  The Government is currently evaluating its major transport initiatives to ensure they remain financially viable, with the A38 project included in this review.

You can read more here.

This week's authors: Kasia Grinders, Keira-Anne Dowsell and Nikita Austin

Disclaimer: The information in this publication is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  We attempt to ensure that the content is current as at the date of publication, but we do not guarantee that it remains up to date.  You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.