Lucy Roper’s Built Environment blog: Focus on housing and infrastructure

Posted on: 2019-08-01

The latest blog from UCEM Information Governance Manager, Lucy Roper, sees Lucy point us to stories on housing, including good news for the industry, recommendations for government reform on affordable housing and a report on inadequate housing provision for an ageing population. Lucy also directs us to a momentous agreement for Chinese construction and nuggets of reading inspiration as recommended by TED speakers…

Housing market more stable

The latest results from the RICS UK Residential Market Survey demonstrate more stability in the housing in the UK housing market. New buyer interest has risen for the first time since November 2016 in what represents positive news for housing – much needed after a difficult few years. In a further boost, the number of sales is expected to pick up over the next year.

Housing for a fairer society

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has published a report entitled ‘Housing for a fairer society: The role of councils in ensuring stronger communities’ which makes 10 recommendations for government reform.

The report highlights the barriers to councils building more high-quality, affordable housing. Among the recommendations are the suspension of the Right to Buy in England and the adoption of ‘community benefit clauses’ in planning policy to enable councils to maximise the wider benefits of the development process.

‘Housing for good’ is the theme of UCEM’s Reading-based centenary event in September where an expert panel will explore innovative ideas for the creation of a long-term, sustainable housing solution. If you live in or near to Reading and have an interest in housing, I would recommend you sign up!

Adequate housing for an ageing population

England’s population is ageing but is the country’s housing provision suitable for older generations? This issue is considered by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Centre for Towns in a joint report entitled ‘A Home for the Ages: Planning for the future with age-friendly design’. Making homes accessible and adaptable is a key recommendation in this well-considered, important piece of research.

China on board with FIDIC

The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) – a significant move to align Chinese contractors with international consultants. Chinese contractors will be encouraged to use FIDIC contracts which are commonly used internationally after an agreement between the two organisations last month which will bridge the gap between practices in China and other countries across the world.

And now for something completely different…

Quick summer reads

With schools signing off for another year, many of us will be preparing to venture to sunnier climes. Now, I don’t know about you, but one of the joys of going away is taking a few books to read – perhaps not a surprise given my line of work!

The trouble, of course, can be finding the time to devote yourself to a good book but help is on hand courtesy of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design). The company has picked out 24 books under 200 pages which are recommended by TED speakers. So if you’re looking to get inspired on your holidays, you know where to look!

For more from Lucy, take a look at the latest edition of Knowledge Foundations.