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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Policy Conference captures hurdles to homes target

The HBF Policy Conference saw the housing secretary send a “call to arms” to industry to get building while other speakers detailed the numerous obstacles to this. Suzie Mayes reports

The Interview – Dave Smith & Matt Vincent, Spitfire Homes

Dave Smith became managing director of Spitfire Homes in 2025, with Matt Vincent operations director since 2024. They talk to Suzie Mayes about offering high quality homes in different markets, changes to the company and moving from being an SME to a more regionalised business

Celebrating social value

Julie Baker, Keepmoat North West’s social value manager, was crowned 2025’s Housebuilder Star for her commitment to helping young people. Suzie Mayes discovers why Baker’s background motivated her and takes a look at how other housebuilders approach social value

Crafting a career in construction

NHBC explores the various routes into housebuilding and the training it delivers to help resolve the skills shortage and retain talent