April 2021

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April2021

In this issue

Beauty contest

The government has launched a new draft National Model Design Code with proposals to include the word "beauty" in planning rules. Mark Smulian reports on how this might affect the industry

The beauty quandary

Ministers want "beauty" embedded in planning - but what does that mean? David Birkbeck of Design for Homes gives his verdict on recent schemes that have won awards for their design

A view on design

Park View, Woodstock, has been referenced as a good example of beautiful design. Suzie Mayes talks to its creators, Graham Flint, md of Pye Homes Blenheim and Dominic Hare, ceo of Blenheim Estate

The Interview - Andy Hill, Hill

After a productive 2020, Andy Hill, ceo of Hill, talks to Suzie Mayes about his recent highlights and challenges, and how the pandemic has helped his business make improvements

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SWOT shows industry in turmoil

Following a trying 12 months for housebuilders, this year’s SWOT analysis exposes the desperate state of some in the industry as consumer confidence nosedives and viability issues overwhelm. Ben Roskrow reveals the many Threats and Weaknesses the industry currently faces while searching for the Strengths and Opportunities

Time to give average prices the index finger

Matt Fleming, executive chairman at the Henry Agency, is launching a new house price index. He explains why he believes it will be better than what we have now

The Interview – Paul Turner, NHBC

After his first year as chief executive of NHBC, Paul Turner talks to Ben Roskrow about his plans to ensure the 90-year-old business is still around in another 90 years, supporting customers and consumers

HBF Viewpoint

Catherine Williams, HBF’s planning director, welcomes the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework. But certain changes since the draft version have weakened the intended “rules-based” approach. And SMEs are not as supported as they could be