In video: the house that Grant built

HCA to trial self-build with five pilots and £30m fund

The Homes and Communities Agency is set to release a series of pilot land parcels for self-build projects as part of a government push on the low-cost development model.

Going Dutch

Grand Designs presenter attacks green deal row

Celebrity green architect and TV presenter Kevin McCloud has waded into the row over reports the government will scrap plans to link building regulations with the government’s flagship energy efficiency programme, the green deal.

Coalition ministers split over green initiative

A rift has opened up between ministers at the helm of the Communities and Local Government department over plans to require households to carry out energy-efficiency work if they extend their home.

Self build groups in line for £30m of funding

Grant Shapps has announced a £30 million pot to promote self-build will go to groups building homes at the same time.

Hit for six

A 91-home Yorkshire development might mark the peak of sustainable house building. Martin Hilditch finds out why

Doing it themselves

Help is at hand for low-income tenants keen to follow the Highland tradition of self-building. Clare Harris reports

How to...

Social landlords can play a big role in improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. But they must lobby hard to ensure ministers understand that they will need support to do so, says Martin Wheatley

Construct a greener future

Building regulations are being tightened in a bid to protect the environment, says Catherine Parker, solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins

We mean business

Landlords can boost revenues and put something back into the community by setting up a social enterprise, as Anita Pati finds out