Solar Panels: Planning Rules ‘Uneven and Unfair’

Solar Energy UK has stated that “planning rules have become uneven and unfair” for installing solar panels.

A statement released by the organisation highlights an altercation that occurred in Derbyshire when a local resident installed solar panels on her roof. According to the BBC, it is alleged that Mary Smail, of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, applied to her local council to gain planning permission to install solar panels.

However, the council replied stating that there was “no chance of it being granted due to the historic nature of the area”. It is then believed that “she installed them anyway while the council was considering her application and applied retrospectively for permission, which was refused”.

Derbyshire Dales District Council obtained a court injunction to remove the solar panels alongside threats that she could be jailed for two years if she did not comply. The solar panels are now in the process of being taken down, Solar Energy UK said.

Solar Energy UK stated: “The root of the issue is that Ms Smail’s home is both in a conservation area and is a Grade II listed building. Under current rules, both listed building consent and planning permission would be needed to make the installation lawful, though this does not apply everywhere.”

Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK provided his verdict on the situation. He said: “While Ms Smail’s actions were unwise, the rules that led to this situation make not a jot of sense and offer no public benefit.

“We strongly encourage the government to implement recently proposed reforms to permitted development rights, so that people like Ms Smail will be able to enjoy the same benefits that solar now gives to over 1.2 million UK households: cutting bills, cutting emissions and avoiding burdens on over-stretched planning departments.”

 

Source: Solar Power Portal

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Industry Leaders and Innovators Celebrated at 2023 Offsite Awards

 

Bringing together the best of the best businesses and leaders at the forefront of offsite construction, the 2023 Offsite Awards shines a light on the ideas, innovations and products driving offsite and MMC technology further than ever before.

A year of progress and change, 2023 has seen offsite construction make impressive leaps forward in technology, engineering and design. With more focus on better performance, streamlined manufacturing and the delivery of safer, greener structures, offsite is helping to advance a better, more sustainable UK construction landscape.

Celebrating the significant achievements of the industry over the past twelve months, the Offsite Awards – held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 September – showcased the people and businesses driving change and championing the benefits of offsite to the construction community.

Every year, the awards give an incredible insight into the breadth and complexity of offsite projects across the built environment. The 2023 awards received over 200 entrants across 23 categories, with many outstanding examples of pioneering projects, innovative products and inspirational people, the judging panel had a tough job selecting the winners from a wealth of worthy finalists.

Following a drinks reception, the awards ceremony – hosted by comedian and TV presenter Lucy Porter- offered the perfect opportunity for the finalists to network and discover more about the inspiring entries.

It was a great night for HLM Architects, B&K Structures, Engenuiti and Stora Enso, who took home the coveted ‘Winner of Winners’ award for their project, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.

The BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ NMIS headquarters is a unique, iconic flagship facility which places Scotland firmly at the front of advanced manufacturing innovation. Its design and delivery reflects this through the creative use of MMC for greater efficiency through repetitive elements, minimised material use and wastage, and opportunity for future expansion. The project is an example of pushing the boundaries of offsite construction to achieve unique, world-class facilities.

The judges said:

“This project is a standout, as befitting its use. The flexible design, range of MMC solutions deployed and recognition of its educational use are truly extraordinary. That this has been achieved while also delivering high quality, statement architecture is a testament to the skills and experience of these worthy winners.”

Congratulations to all the 2023 winners!

 

 The 2023 Winners

 

Architect of the YearHLM – Architects National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
Best use of Concrete TechnologyPCE – Assembly C
Best use of Hybrid TechnologyCitu – The Climate Innovation District
Best use of MEP & Pod TechnologyVolumetric Modular Bathroom and MEP Pods
Best use of Steel TechnologyDesign4Structures – Lucent
Best use of Timber TechnologyWinner 1: Engenuiti – Stora Enso – Ryder Architecture and B&K Structures – Port Of Tyne O&M Base – Dogger Bank

Winner 2: STOAS Architects & Aldi Stores – Leamington Spa – Low Carbon Store

Best use of Volumetric TechnologyAlgeco – Algeco Delivers Turnkey Solution at £19.2m Leeds Academy Project Using Seismic Platform
BIM/Digital Construction AwardKier – Component Tracking in Complex Supply Chains: HMP Millsike
Building Performance PioneerSaint Gobain Off-site Solutions – eHome2
Client of the YearHousing 21 – Patent Walk
Commercial Project of the YearB&K Structures – Stora Enso and Ryder Architecture – Port of Tyne O&M Base – Dogger Bank
Contractor of the Year ES GLOBAL – ABBA Arena
Education Project of the YearInnovaré Offsite – West Coventry Academy
Engineer of the YearHeyne Tillett Steel – Technique – Clerkenwell
Healthcare Project of the YearWinner 1: McAvoy – University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust – Modular Wards

Winner 2: MTX – Derriford Hospital – Royal Eye Infirmary

Infrastructure Project of the YearKnight Architects – Network Rail FLOW Bridge
Installer of the YearLift and Locate – Wood Wharf
International Project of the YearCasas inHAUS – Modular Villa and Prefabricated Concrete Cantilever Pool – Valencia
Offsite Pioneer of the YearOliver Novakovic – Barratt Developments – eHome2 at Energy House 2.0
Private Housing Project of the YearHawkins\Brown – Portlands Place – Stratford
Product Innovation of the YearExplore Manufacturing – Modular Bridges
Retail/Leisure Project of the YearB&K Structures – Grosvenor – Heyne Tillett Steel and Stiff & Trevillion – Newson’s Yard
Social Housing Project of the YearZED PODS – Hill Street House
Winner of WinnersHLM Architects – B&K Structures – Engenuiti and Stora Enso – National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

 

CLICK HERE to find out more about the 2023 Offsite Awards

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‘SPOT THE DIFFERENCE’ – UPDATED

UPDATED: 28.09.23

COMMENT FROM CROMER HOMES:

A spokesperson from Comer Homes Group said: “The Comer Homes Group is surprised and extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Greenwich to issue an enforcement notice in respect of our Mast Quay Phase ll development.

“We are particularly surprised to see the accompanying public statements which are inaccurate and misrepresent the position and our actions.

“We will be appealing against the enforcement notice and look forward to robustly correcting the inaccuracies and addressing the council’s concerns.”

“The Royal Borough of Greenwich has taken the decision, as the local planning authority, to progress with enforcement action against the Comer Homes Group’s Mast Quay Phase II development of two residential towers, one of which is stepped, with 23, 11, nine and and six storeys, located on Woolwich Church Street, London SE18.

“The Council’s extensive investigation over the last year has concluded that the completed Mast Quay Phase II built-to rent-development has been built without planning permission and is therefore unlawful because it is so substantially different to the scheme that was originally permitted by the planning permission given in 2012.

“In total there are at least 26 main deviations to the original planning permission. These include:

  • visible design changes to the external appearance of the towers – the final towers look more solid and bulky because of the removal of the stepped back top floor and the glazed curtain wall façade to Block E that would have given the appearance of a sail.
  • visible changes to the materials and windows – different cladding, less glazing, smaller balconies, smaller windows and no wraparound balconies resulting in a reduction of daylight and sunlight, and to a reduced outlook.
  • increasing the approved size of the footprint of both towers
  • not providing the roof gardens for residents and the public, children’s play areas, green roofs or landscaped gardens
  • lower quality residential accommodation
  • non accessible ‘accessible’ apartments that have steps to the balconies so that wheelchair users cannot use their outdoor space.
  • provision of a residents’ gym in place of the approved commercial floorspace which is also not accessible to anyone who uses a wheelchair
  • a reduction of the amount of commercial floorspace for offices, shops and cafes at ground-level
  • failure to provide enough underground car parking so that car parking dominates at ground level replacing what should have been a landscaped garden area with trees and plants and less car parking overall that could place pressure on street parking
  • a lack of disabled parking bays
  • shared residential/commercial basement access that could lead to conflicts
  • a poorer quality footbridge to Woolwich Church Street

“The Council believes that the only reasonable and proportionate way to rectify the harm created by the finished Mast Quay Phase II development to the local area, and the tenants living there, because of the changes made during its construction is the complete demolition and the restoration of the land to its former condition.

“Therefore, the Council issued an enforcement notice on Monday 25 September which is subject to appeal rights for a period of at least 28 days following the date of issue. To support the residents currently living in the development the Council has written to them directly to provide them with support, assistance and advice.”

 

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

“This decision is not one that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has taken lightly, but I believe it is reasonable and proportionate to the scale and seriousness of the situation. Mast Quay Phase II represents two prominent high-rise buildings on Woolwich’s riverside that just are not good enough, and the reason that they are not good enough is because the development that was given planning permission is not the one that we can all see before us today.

“In Our Greenwich, our vision for the borough by 2030, I committed to development that delivers positive change to the area for existing and new communities, and this is simply not the case with Mast Quay Phase II.

“The right thing to do is not usually the easy thing to do. That is why we will not standby and allow poor quality and unlawful development anywhere in our borough and we are not afraid of taking difficult decisions when we believe it’s the right thing to do.”

Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“The Mast Quay Phase II development had the potential to deliver hundreds of beautiful riverside apartments in an exciting area of London with a rich maritime past. Instead, what we have is a mutant development that is a blight on the landscape, local conservation zone and heritage assets and views.

“High quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places are fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, creating better places in which to live and work. As a borough we work with many responsible property developers who deliver schemes that we can be proud of and we will always work with responsible developers to unlock sites and deliver the new homes that our borough needs.

“If a scheme matching what has been built at Mast Quay Phase II was submitted for planning permission today, it would be refused, and we cannot let what has been delivered at Mast Quay Phase II go unchallenged.”

Cllr Ann-Marie, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said:

“Following a complex, lengthy and detailed investigation, including complaints from local residents, we are taking this unprecedented step because of the magnitude of the number of significant deviations that we have discovered from what was approved by the original planning permission. We believe Mast Quay Phase II represents significant harm to the area and harm to present and future occupiers of the buildings.

“The developer has had plenty of opportunities to apply for planning permission to vary what they had permission to build before they carried out the work, instead of applying after they had already done it. For example, since starting work on site in 2015 they have had many years to engage with us regarding the amendments they claim it was necessary to make, due to changes in building regulations, yet there was no contact or application made, and an attempt was only made retrospectively as a consequence of the enforcement investigation.

“Why should children have no place to play because it was cheaper not to include it? Why should disabled tenants be prisoners in their own homes because step free access to the balconies wasn’t included? Why should the outside areas be dominated by tarmac and cars instead of trees and grass and plants?

“Without enforcement our planning system can have no integrity and that is why we will not shy away from property developers exploiting the system for their own gain, to the detriment of residents and other responsible developers who do the right thing.”

Link to the FAQ: https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/mast_quay

WHAT DO MMC READERS THINK OF THE DECISION BY GREENWICH COUNCIL?

 

 

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BuildData Group Launches Research Institute

BuildData Group Launches Research Institute to Influence Digital Information Strategies, Management and Modelling across the Built Environment

London, UK—21st September 2023:  BuildData Group AB (“BuildData”) announces the launch of its Research Institute, headed up by Emma Hooper, who will be responsible for research and development across the group’s brands, Zutec & Createmaster.

Set up to better understand and take a lead on the digital transformation of the built environment, the BuildData Group Research Institute will focus on the importance of information as data, its role today and tomorrow as a valuable asset, and devise strategies and concepts to build out an information theory that will drive better building outcomes.

The built environment and digital worlds are constantly evolving, and ensuring the right stakeholders have the right information at the right time is critical. By digging deeper into the construction industry with regards to trends, standards, policy, regulations and best practice that influence information and data today, the primary purpose of the Research Institute will be to actively help shape, guide and educate the industry through research and thought leadership, with an emphasis on information management which is at the heart of digital transformation.

The BuildData Group Research Institute launches with a new paper written by Emma Hooper: “Rethinking Information Management and Modelling”, which focuses on whether the golden thread of information, a requirement of the Building Safety Act, is a product of good information management, asking the question and reviewing what needs to happen to improve the management of information across the built environment?

Emma Hooper, Head of R&D at BuildData Group’s Research Institute, states,

“Our belief is that the industry requires a centre of excellence that looks at the bigger picture of information management and a common data framework, acting as think tank to help educate and shape data strategies. Our findings will feed into the wider work of BuildData Group to help provide the communications, services and products which will benefit one of the least digitised industry in the world — construction. However, crucially it will feed into the industry itself and how we can take an integrated approach to ensure better connected and structured data which has a consistent digital language as the industry moves towards a golden thread of information.”

Gustave Geisendorf, CEO at BuildData Group, adds,

“With an ever-evolving market, building regulations and standards, the Research Institute comes at a time when the role of information in the built environment has never been more necessary. It will not only enable us to deepen our knowledge and expertise of the built environment and changing landscape, but gives us the mechanism to share insight, thought leadership and research with the construction industry that helps shape its direction, particularly when it comes to building information management and modelling. We want to create a safer and more sustainable built environment, where information is as important as the building itself, and we will use our findings to educate the industry at large and drive new compelling events through digitalisation.”

To download the paper or to find out more about the Research Institute, please click here

 

 

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The Invisible Energy Highway between the UK and Germany

UK-Germany energy link on track as construction advances

Construction on the UK-Germany interconnector is progressing as planned, with works underway in both countries and the project expected to be operational by 2028.

Construction is well underway on the £2.4 billion NeuConnect project, a pivotal energy link set to connect the UK and Germany.

With approximately 725 kilometres of land and subsea cables forming an ‘invisible energy highway,’ NeuConnect aims to unite two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time.

NeuConnect’s construction encompasses the installation of converter stations in Kent, England and the Wilhelmshaven region in northern Germany.

These stations will be connected by subsea cables traversing British, Dutch and German waters.

Led by global investors including Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners, Kansai Electric Power, and TEPCO, the project is slated to become one of the world’s largest interconnectors.

The NeuConnect project is expected to be operational by 2028.

NeuConnect Chief Executive Officer Arnaud Grévoz said: “With works well underway in Germany and the UK, the delivery of this vital new energy link remains firmly on track.

Source: Energy Live

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ARE PLANNING APPROVALS FALLING DUE TO NIMBYISM?

Planning approvals for new homes have fallen to a new record low as the Government is accused of caving to nimbyism.

The number of planning permissions granted for new build homes in Britain has fallen 20pc in the past year and is at the lowest level since records began in 2006, figures show.

The number of homes approved has nearly halved from a peak of 110,000 in the first quarter of 2021 to 62,700 in the second quarter of this year, according to the Home Builders Federation, a trade body.

Builders said “NIMBY”councils and others had been allowed to block more planning applications after the Government scrapped mandatory house-building targets for local areas at the end of last year, caving to pressure from dozens of backbench MPs.

It comes after Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, has vowed to block “ugly” homes and give communities more powers to shape the appearance of new builds in their neighbourhoods.

In April he overruled planning inspectors to refuse permission for a 165-home development in Kent because the homes were of a “generic suburban nature” and did not “reflect the expectations” of the local design code.

It was believed to be an unprecedented move for a housing secretary.

The housebuilding industry has warned that the number of homes being built in the coming years could fall to the lowest level since World War II.

The Government has repeatedly missed its target of building 300,000 homes in England each year, which critics say is contributing to shortage of properties and pushing up prices.

Neil Jefferson, managing director of the Home Builders Federation, said Government policies have become “increasingly anti-development and anti-business”, which has resulted in a sharp fall in the number of homes being built.

He said: “The Government’s capitulation to the NIMBY lobby on planning, its mishandling of water legislation and amidst a lack of mortgage availability the lack of support for first-time buyers could see housing supply drop markedly in the coming years.

“Fewer homes being built amidst an acute housing crisis has clear social implications, in particular for young people, and will reduce economic activity and cost jobs.”

Following extended pressure from builders, the Government has said it will change water legislation to allow more homes to be built.

Some 150,000 homes have been denied because of “nutrient neutrality” rules, which aim to limit nutrient pollution and require developers to show they will prevent or offset this type of pollution to local wetlands and protected areas.

Taxpayers will pick up the bill instead of the property industry.

Developers are also facing a drop in demand because of high mortgage rates and the end of the Help to Buy scheme last year, which had subsidised the cost of buying new builds for first-time buyers but was accused of inflating prices.

A spokesman for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said:

“Planning permission was granted for 264,000 homes in the last year, showing we are making good progress towards our target of building one million homes over this Parliament.

“We know we need to do more to speed up the planning system, which is why our long-term plan for housing will reduce unnecessary delays and speed up new developments, this is backed by £24 million to scale up planning capacity and a further £13.5 million for a “super-squad” to support large scale projects. At the same time we’re scrapping defective EU laws that are blocking 100,000 homes from being built.”

Source: MSN

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Construction Landmark for Nuclear Reactor

The CA01 ‘super module’ has been installed at unit 4 of the Sanmen nuclear power plant in China’s Zhejiang province, marking a construction landmark for the CAP1000 reactor.

 

Weighing 1046.2 tonnes and measuring more than 27 metres long, 29 metres wide and 24 metres high, the concrete and steel CA01 module sits inside the unit’s containment module where it will house the plant’s steam generators and other components. It is referred to as a super module because it is too large to be transported by road and rail, and was constructed on site.

The module was hoisted into place at Sanmen 4 on 6 September, the Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute (SNERDI) announced.

“The successful installation of the CA01 module brings a successful conclusion to the large-scale hoisting work of unit 4 in 2023, and also opens a new stage of construction on the [nuclear] island,” said SNERDI – a unit of the State Power Investment Corporation.

The construction of two new reactors at each of the Sanmen, Haiyang and Lufeng sites in China was approved by China’s State Council in April 2021. The approvals were for Sanmen units 3 and 4, Haiyang 3 and 4 and units 5 and 6 of the Lufeng plant. The Sanmen and Haiyang plants are already home to two Westinghouse AP1000 units each, and two CAP1000 units were approved for Phase II (units 3 and 4) of each plant.

The CAP1000 reactor design – the Chinese version of the AP1000 – uses modular construction techniques, enabling large structural modules to be built at factories and then installed at the site.

The first safety-related concrete was poured for the nuclear island of Sanmen 3 on 28 June last year, marking the official start of its construction. The first concrete for that of unit 4 was poured on 22 March this year.

The largest and heaviest module – the cuboid-shaped CA20 – was installed at Sanmen 4 in April.

 

Source: World Nuclear News

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Supporting UK Schools at a Time of Crisis

UK schools are facing yet another unprecedented challenge. As teachers and education leaders fight to get learning back on track, their efforts are now hampered by unsafe structures and a severe lack of alternative learning environments. In the latest list published by the Department of Education (DfE), 147 schools have already been identified as affected by the use of dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in their buildings.

The Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) is keen to support those operating across the education sector who urgently need more temporary buildings to help extend available facilities.

Jackie Maginnis, Chief Executive of the MPBA, said: “Our members are ready to assist UK students and teachers. Both volumetric modular manufacturing companies and those involved in the hiring of portable buildings are ramping up to meet the demand for all sorts of educational units. The MPBA is ready to help, ensuring pupils have a safe and secure place to learn.”

“We know that students have already faced an excess of disruption to their education over the past few years, severely impacting their wellbeing. Schools are under extreme pressure to find temporary facilities as quickly and cost-effectively as possible so learning can continue with minimal disruption. The team here at the MPBA can help those in need by putting them in touch with their nearest modular manufacturer or those who have portable buildings in stock and available for hire. We appreciate the excellent work of UK teachers and school business managers and want to assist in alleviating these additional pressures.”

Given the time-critical nature of this crisis, the need to quickly source modern and fully functional buildings is imperative. The MPBA is keen to help and by putting calls out to their extensive network, they can save school managers and leaders valuable time and resources.

Government Departments, Local Authorities and those involved in educational facilities procurement can gain help to quickly engage with portable building providers or modular manufacturers by calling Jackie Maginnis, Chief Executive of the MPBA on 024 7590 1938 or emailing: mpba@mpba.biz

 

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The Digital House in a Germam Forest

German architects explore digital build strategies

 

In Northern Germany, the quaint city of Wismar has seen a new evolution of architectural fabrication with this compact Digital House. The team behind this innovation are architects Julian Krüger from the Munich University of Applied Sciences, and Benjamin Kemper from the Wismar University of Applied Sciences. While the undulating facade of repurposed aluminum wraps a milled timber structure, the cabin exemplifies an approach to digital construction that is both technologically advanced and resource-efficient.

 

The ‘plug-in’ construction of the digital house

With the Digital House, Julian Krüger and Benjamin Kemper merge contemporary design and digital manufacturing techniques. The architects have crafted a sustainable and cost-effective building model that hinges on inventive plug-in construction methodologies. Situated near the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Wismar University, this humble cabin is wrapped in a fluid silver facade –constructed from repurposed aluminum sheets — and a steep, west-facing mono-pitch roof. The structure reaches a height of 6.5 meters (21 feet) atop a footprint measuring 3.3 by 4.9 meters (11 by 16 feet). The interior is illuminated by a continuous strip of windows and four large openings that cut through the facade.

A unique feature of the Digital House is its wood construction system which Julian Krüger and Benjamin Kemper worked to precision-mill from 24-millimeter-thick plywood. This assembly method negates the need for conventional tools or fasteners, enabling a swift and straightforward assembly process requiring just two individuals. This dynamic system not only upholds principles of sustainability but also allows for future disassembly and repurposing. The wooden framework is enveloped by plywood panels on the interior and a vapor-permeable wood fiberboard on the exterior, insulated with environmentally friendly wood fiber. The Digital House is anchored by six ground screws, allowing for both rapid and traceless disassembly, thereby eliminating the need for concrete or extensive groundwork.

 

A facade of laser cut aluminum

The Digital House is a harbinger of a new era in architectural planning. The team has diligently optimized the building system to accommodate future parametric design strategies. This intrinsic flexibility allows users to tailor the structure’s form, layout, roofing, openings, and facade according to their specific needs, lending an adaptability that’s advantageous for erecting both stand-alone structures and high-density projects within urban landscapes. The project underscores the symbiotic relationship between digital planning, efficient production, and the application of renewable and recycled materials, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable construction ethos.

 

Source: Design Boom

 

 

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Canada Looks to Offsite Construction to Ease Housing Crisis

Canadian construction companies are struggling with a lack of skilled labor, with around 90% reporting that it is affecting their ability to bid on projects and meet deadlines. To address this challenge, many believe that incorporating digital technologies and offsite construction can help reshape the industry. By using digital tools, construction companies can save time and money, reduce waste, and improve worker safety and productivity.

Wood prefabrication, which includes mass timber, panels, and volumetric modular construction, is gaining popularity due to its sustainability benefits and ongoing technical and market advancements. Although the Canadian mass timber industry is still developing compared to Europe, there is growing market awareness and acceptance driven by government support, research, and public-sector demand.

However, the transition to new construction methods is hindered by the skilled labor shortage in the construction sector. Despite consumer acceptance and government support, the industry is struggling to quickly adopt new technologies due to a lack of skilled workers.

In conclusion, off-site construction, particularly wood prefabrication, is seen as a potential solution to Canada’s affordable housing shortage and skilled labor challenges. By leveraging digital tools and innovative construction methods, the industry can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet the growing demand for housing in the country.

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