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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Solving the section 106 crisis

After the government’s announcements on addressing the problems in the section 106 affordable housing market, Suzie Mayes considers some of the detail and whether it will be enough

The Interview – Jon Di-Stefano, Greencore Homes

Jon Di-Stefano became ceo of sustainable housebuilder Greencore Homes in 2022, after heading the London-based, listed Telford Homes. He talks to Suzie Mayes about what drew him to a very different business, how to be ‘better than new zero’ and the SME’s big growth plans

A guide to good design

As the consultation on the updated National Design Guidance comes to a close, Suzie Mayes looks at its focus on climate and health and gauges the industry’s view

HBF Viewpoint

The housing minister says the government can reach its housing goal. But, says Laura Markus, HBF’s policy and external affairs manager, without help to support first time buyers, this is unlikely to be the reality