Financial & Legal
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Three North West councils now face tougher housing delivery consequences. Stockport, Lancaster, and Chorley each delivered below 75% of assessed need.
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Scotland will monitor major data-centre proposals from planning validation onwards. Authorities must notify ministers within seven days for developments above 50MW.
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Government reforms will narrow mandatory consultations across England’s planning system. The changes revise referral triggers, remove two statutory consultees, and introduce new performance measures.
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Funding now covers unsafe cladding on buildings below eleven metres. Homes England has opened an eight-week application window for eligible residential blocks.
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Housing planning approvals have fallen to their lowest recorded level. Just 408 larger sites secured approval during the first quarter of 2026.
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England’s revised planning framework now governs development decisions nationwide immediately. The NPPF separates plan-making from decision-making and expands policy supporting station-led development.
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Imperial Court’s revised Liverpool conversion has now secured planning approval. The 95-flat scheme moves next towards Gateway 2 building-control approval after an earlier 106-home permitted-development proposal failed over daylight concerns.
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R G Carter expects growth after delayed projects hit turnover. The privately owned contractor enters 2026 with a stronger order book, £80m cash, and no borrowings despite lower annual revenue and profit.
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Forshaw and AND Capital plan a £185m northern housing fund. The proposed vehicle remains subject to final structuring and due diligence but could support residential-led and mixed-use schemes across northern England.
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Bouygues UK widened its annual loss despite rising turnover again. The contractor’s latest accounts keep building safety liabilities, subcontractor performance, and wider delivery risk firmly on the balance sheet.