20 News in brief HOUSING DESIGN AWARDS CONTINUED
Deadline for entries is 14th March 2008. Awards are made at two stages: for projects of high quality where the scheme has detailed planning permission but is not yet finished and occupied, and for completed schemes of outstanding merit. Developments may consist of private or public sector new build, conversion or renovation schemes in England, provided they are of four or more dwellings. Schemes including non-residential uses may be entered provided housing constitutes a major element. Although some shared domestic facilities are allowed, schemes such as nursing homes are not eligible.
Judging is carried out by an awards committee including the chair of the sponsorship committee and representatives of each of the four promoters. They are looking for the very best in housing design, and consider a wide range of factors. A new Housing Design Awards database containing full details of all award winners and commended schemes since 1950 is now available. The database contains automatic sort facilities by date, address, region, number and type of units, number of storeys, architect, developer, contractor, planning authority, and type of award.
Further information: The Housing Design Awards Secretary, c/o Design for Homes, The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT Tel 0870 890 2888 Email
info@hdawards.org
P18
The number of companies who are principal lenders is very limited and those who are in this fortunate position are being inundated with new enquiries due to the lack of credit within the market generally. Developers are realising that whilst the credit crunch has led to a number of companies reducing or even stopping their lending to developers there are alternatives within the market and their business need not suffer. Funding is a crucial component of a development and an experienced funding partner is vital.
Vendors are starting to become more amenable to negotiating prices but this is dependent on how quickly the transaction can take place. Therefore, if developers have a relationship with a principal lender they are going to be at a substantial advantage when submitting an offer as they have the confidence to know that the lender they are working along side is using their own funds and can ensure that the purchase happens quickly. Speed and flexibility are vital components when it comes to funding of a development and in a more difficult market this is more important than ever.
The current credit problems may appear an obstacle to developers but if the right lender is chosen who is not affected by the current problems, the potentially adverse situation can be turned into a positive as they will be able to take advantage of deals that others will not be able to. If anything, now is the time where the best deals are to be made and potentially high profits are available on the right deal.
CABE'S HOUSING AUDIT... has assessed almost 300 new developments throughout England. CABE looked in more detail at some schemes - the good, the bad and the average - to see why some worked and some did not and to draw out some lessons for the future.
The conclusion is that the national picture is just not good enough: 18 per cent of developments are "good" or "very good" 53 per cent are "average"
For more information: Contact Nicholas Warren at Regentsmead 020 8952 1414
29 per cent are "poor" These results are very disappointing, says CABE, and demonstrate that most consumers are getting a raw deal when it comes to new homes. "Good" is the benchmark established by government and the industry, and the minimum standard for new housing in the Thames Gateway for instance. So "Average" falls below the benchmark set by the industry, and represents a missed opportunity. "Poor" schemes should never have been given planning permission, and some local authorities need to demand better for their communities. Even worse, the design quality of almost one in three was so poor that they should not have been given planning permission. Performance has to improve markedly - and urgently. The audit also uncovers some examples of very good design - great places which residents are clearly proud to call home. This demonstrates just what can be achieved when the developers get it right.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76