TV star in deal to build green homes

Going Dutch

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.

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.

Empty homes campaigner attacks squatting plans

The presenter of a Channel 4 programme highlighting the ‘scandal’ of empty homes has slammed government plans to criminalise squatting.

Conservatory conundrum

Doing it themselves

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

Utopia revisited

As David Cameron seeks to revive the principles of garden cities with a consultation due later this year, Colin Wiles examines how likely it is that his vision will come to fruition

The home MOT test

A Dutch landlord is reducing maintenance costs by giving its homes regular check-ups. Chloë Stothart finds out how it works

Solving the land puzzle

If organisations share buildings the leftover sites can be pieced together for development, says Alan Stokes

Getting up to speed

With little progress on calls for an exemption, developing social landlords need to be aware of new procurement rules, says Bill Hull