Industry reacts to new NPPF
The industry has been reacting to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with the Home Builders Federation calling the new rules “another step towards a more positive planning framework” while expressing the need for action to address wider policy and tax constraints. Others welcomed the new NPPF while also raising viability issues. The sector will hear discussion of the new NPPF as part of HBF’s Planning Conference, taking place on September 9 in Birmingham. As well as examining all aspects of the revamped framework, the one-day conference will look at progress on other changes to the planning system designed to help deliver new homes.
SMEs warn on Building Safety Levy – HBF/Quantum Development Finance
Nine in ten SME housebuilders have warned that the upcoming Building Safety Levy will make more sites unviable, according to new research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Quantum Development Finance. HBF is urging the government to pause the introduction of the levy. The research, based on a survey of SME housebuilders across England, also finds that 36% have already delayed, redesigned or cancelled schemes ahead of the introduction of the levy, applying from October 1.
Govt publishes revised NPPF
The government has published its revamped National Planning Policy Framework today (August 17), confirming a default “yes” for new homes near public transport. Following a consultation on changes to the NPPF which concluded in March, ministers said that under its new planning rules “thousands of new homes” would be built around England’s train, tram and underground stations, connecting communities, creating jobs and “unlocking investment”.
HBF launches ninth cohort of Women into Home Building
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has opened submissions for the ninth cohort of its Women into Home Building programme, which recently won an award at the Women in Housing and Housing Heroes Awards 2026. The programme, which supports women into site management careers in housebuilding, is being delivered with Pathway CTM in partnership with national and regional housebuilders. Women are encouraged to apply to the fully funded three-week initiative which begins with one week of online training and industry insight sessions, followed by a two-week work experience placement on site.
Planning permissions continue to fall – HBF/Glenigan
Planning permissions for new sites fell to a “new low” in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Home Builders Federation, with consents for new homes during the past 12 months reaching only 58% of the government’s annual target. HBF’s latest Housing Pipeline report, based on data from Glenigan, reveals that in Q1 2026, only 1,220 sites for private housing achieved planning approval across England, the lowest since the series began in 2006. This compares to around 2,000 in 2022 and almost 3,000 in 2017.
Avant Homes agrees deal to defer fire safety payments
Avant Homes has finalised an agreement with the government to postpone its building safety payments. In its financial results covering the 52 weeks to June 30 2025, the housebuilder said it had completed a payment plan agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) relating to its obligations under the Developer Remediation Contract (DRC) in England. This means Avant is no longer expected to undertake or procure works to remediate buildings for which it is responsible under the DRC.
Future Homes Hub updates Whole Life Carbon Conventions
The Future Homes Hub has updated its Whole Life Carbon Conventions to introduce assessments beyond plot boundaries. In a key change, the new Whole Life Carbon Conventions for New Homes adds assessments for roads, utilities and associated works beyond the plot boundary, to overcome the “data block hole” of site infrastructure, aiding the industry in reducing the embodied carbon emissions of new homes developments, the Hub said. The 2026 up
Homes England chair’s tenure extended
Pat Ritchie, chair of Homes England, has had her tenure extended by six months to ensure “continuity of experienced leadership for the Homes England board”, according to the organisation. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has granted the extension to the end of April 2027. Ritchie, former ceo of Homes England’s predecessor the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), was announced interim chair in April 2025. She was selected to lead the government’s housing and regeneration agency for “up to” 18 months.
Bellway’s completions up 10.8%
Bellway’s completions rose 10.8% during its financial year against 2025, above its previously guided range. At the same time, the housebuilder is calling upon the government to “act now” to aid the housing market including through a change to stamp duty, with the near-term outlook remaining “uncertain”. Giving a trading update for the year ending July 31 2026, Bellway said its housing completions during the period totalled 9,695 homes compared to last year’s 8,749, “in excess of” the previously guided range of 9,300 to 9,500 and driven by “a strong conversion from our bulk sales pipeline”.
