Landlords face bills in the thousands for energy efficient improvements
Over half (55%) of landlords need to make improvements to their rental properties to increase their energy efficiency, according to research by Simply Business, one of the UK’s largest providers of small business insurance.
A survey of over 600 landlords by the leading provider of landlord and business insurance found that improving energy efficiency is a key concern for landlords and could cost them thousands of pounds each.
Currently, landlords in England and Wales can only let properties that have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, but as part of the Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill, the government is considering increasing the minimum EPC requirement to C for all new tenancies by 2025 and all existing tenancies by 2028.
If the minimum EPC rating for rental homes is increased, over half (55%) of the landlords surveyed said they would need to improve their properties to make them more energy efficient.
Almost a third (32%) of landlords said making properties energy efficient is a key challenge, while just under a fifth (17%) said they’re worried about their ability to maintain their properties.
The survey revealed that changes to minimum energy efficiency standards are likely to cost landlords a significant sum of money.
One in five (19%) estimated that they’ll have to spend over £10,000, and one in four (27%) anticipated spending between £5,000 and £10,000 on making their properties more energy efficient.
Meanwhile, a further two in five (40%) thought they’d need to spend between £1,000 and £5,000 to increase their EPC rating.
Improvements that can increase a property’s energy efficiency include cavity wall insulation, solar panels, and double glazing.
Meanwhile, the government recently announced the details of a Boiler Upgrade Scheme, allowing landlords to claim £5,000 towards the cost of an air source heat pump.
Whether it’s due to changing legislation, higher interest rates, or inflation, the rising cost of being a landlord is a significant threat to the rental market, according to just under half (45%) of survey participants.
Alongside meeting government requirements, the need for energy efficient homes among landlords and tenants is only set to increase in the coming months.
As energy bills continue to rise, tenants will be looking for well-insulated, energy efficient properties that can help to keep their living costs down.
At the same time, landlords will also feel the benefit of lower energy bills if they offer bills-included tenancies and during void periods.
Alan Thomas, CEO of Simply Business said: “With a potential 2025 deadline for a new minimum EPC rating fast-approaching, our study has revealed the worries facing landlords who will need to make drastic and costly improvements to increase the energy efficiency of their properties.
“The rising cost of living is having an impact on us all but with the prospect of tighter EPC rules on the horizon, landlords are feeling the squeeze. Many are concerned about how they’ll fund these improvements and whether they’ll be completed in time. This is putting significant financial pressure on landlords and, with a fifth already concerned about their properties’ ability to generate revenue, this could be a real threat to the rental market.
“Insuring over 300,000 landlords has offered us a fresh perspective on the significant role they play in providing safe and affordable housing, in addition to the £16 billion annual contribution to the economy. Therefore, it’s important they receive the necessary support, education, and clarity to meet the requirements set by the government.”
University of Sheffield researchers awarded £7.7m to drive new standards for safer, greener, more cost-effective UK infrastructure
Researchers at the University of Sheffield will lead a £7.7m collaborative project, aiming to change how we monitor and maintain important parts of the UK’s infrastructure, such as bridges, telecoms masts and wind turbines.
Healthy infrastructure is critical to ensuring the continued functionality and growth of UK society and the economy. Unfortunately, monitoring and maintaining our buildings and transport network is expensive; in the UK, a backlog of maintenance works, identified in 2019, will cost £6.7bn.
Considering bridges, inspection is usually carried out visually by human experts. Resources are stretched, so inspections cannot be carried out as often as desired, repairs aren’t made quickly and opportunities are missed to make cost effective decisions on maintenance and improvement. In a few extreme cases structural failure can result in fatalities.
The offshore wind (OW) sector is another area for concern. OW has driven down energy costs and increased power output, pioneering a global change to clean energy. The UK leads globally in OW energy, providing almost one third of the UK’s annual electricity demand and helping meet the UK’s net-zero-by-2050 target. The drive for turbines in deeper water demands new ways of asset management, controlling and limiting operation/maintenance lifetime costs. As turbines increase in numbers, size, and capacity, these issues become even more important.
A collaborative team of researchers, led by the University of Sheffield, has been awarded a £7.7m programme grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The ROSEHIPS (Revolutionising Operational Safety and Economy for High-value Infrastructure using Population-based SHM) project will aim to solve the infrastructure asset management problem in the UK for maintaining our buildings and structures, such as bridges and transport networks, via transformative new research to automate health monitoring.
Instead of expensive scheduled inspections, diagnoses can be provided economically by permanently-installed sensors, collecting structural data continuously and interpreting it via computer algorithms.
The team in Sheffield will work with partner institutions, the University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Exeter, combining sensor development, machine learning and civil engineering expertise, as well as with key industry partners, including Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure, Translink, Arqiva, Cellnex (UK) and Siemens Gamesa.
Professor Keith Worden, from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “Population-Based Structural Health Monitoring (PBSHM) is a game-changing idea, emerging in the UK very recently. It has the potential to overcome current technological barriers and transform our ability to automatically infer the condition of a structure, or a network of structures, from sensor data.”
The EPSRC project will extend and exploit PBSHM, developing machine learning, sensing and digital twin technology for automated inference of health for structures in operation now, and drive new standards for safer, greener structures in future.
Professor Worden continued: “This programme brings together the perfect team, mixing complementary skills in machine learning and advanced data analysis with expertise in new sensor systems and insight into complex infrastructure systems.”
Professor Mark Girolami, from the University of Cambridge, added: “This research programme is set to make significant advances in the theory, methodology, application, successful deployment and adoption of PBSHM, in making our critical inter-connected infrastructure safe, resilient and more efficient.”
The work will be underpinned by experiments using facilities such as the Structural Dynamics Laboratory for Verification and Validation (LVV) at the University of Sheffield to monitor the dynamic response and ‘health’ of structures, such as traffic loading, a full scale or near full scale.
Interest rate rise isn’t going to be helpful, warns British Chambers of Commerce
The decision to increase interest rates by 0.25% to 1%, taken this week by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, could do more harm than good according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce predicts ‘considerable alarm’. He said: “The decision to raise interest rates will cause considerable alarm among households and businesses given the rapidly deteriorating economic outlook and mounting cost pressures many are facing.
“The Bank of England face an unenviable trade-off between soaring inflation and a wilting economy. However, higher interest rates will do little to address the global headwinds and supply constraints driving this inflationary surge. It also raises the risk of recession by damaging confidence and intensifying the financial squeeze on businesses and consumers.
“With monetary policy continuing to tighten, it is vital the fiscal policy is now loosened to ease the crippling cost pressures faced by consumers and businesses, and to support wider economic activity. Urgent action is needed to limit the unprecedented surge in costs facing businesses, including financial support for those struggling with soaring energy bills.”
Morgan Sindall Construction to build new sustainable SEND college in Scunthorpe
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to build a new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) college in Scunthorpe.
Trent View College will be operated by Wellspring Academy Trust and will cater for 60 students aged between 16 and 19.
The college will support students with a range of specific needs including those with learning difficulties, speech language and cognition needs and autistic spectrum condition, with 25% of students being non-ambulant.
The single storey building will be located on land to the south of West Common Lane in Scunthorpe and has been designed according to Passivhaus principles, meaning it will be built to the highest standards of sustainable construction.
Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.
The reduction in energy consumption results in carbon reductions, and lower running and maintenance costs. The Passivhaus standard is achieved through the design and build phase, with the selection of materials ensuring building efficiency throughout the project.
As both a SEND facility and a Passivhaus building, Trent View College needs to be green and inclusive. To achieve this, the Morgan Sindall Construction team will be working closely with the design team, so they can flag issues that should be addressed early on. SEND designs are more involved than designs for standard schools, so achieving Passivhaus standards at Trent View College will require a high-level of specific expertise, experience and input from Morgan Sindall Construction.
The detailed, design proposals were developed in close association with the Trust and DfE team through a collaborative engagement process, which is particularly critical for this type of school with such very specialist needs, resulting in design proposals that fully meets the school specific requirements, whilst also achieving compliance with the DfE Output Specification and Technical Annexes.
The building will be single storey with level access throughout and is zoned into two distinct areas, the main block of admin/entrance and large shared spaces and a teaching wing with associated support spaces. The school will include a hydrotherapy pool, changing facilities and a playing field all of which will be made available for use by the local community outside of school hours.
The people of Scunthorpe will also benefit from the comprehensive social value plan to be delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction as part of its delivery of the new college. A comprehensive engagement plan will ensure activities and programmes are undertaken that address the specific socioeconomic requirements of the area, while Morgan Sindall Construction aims for 90% of its supply chain spend to be with local SMEs.
Jon Muir, project manager for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Trent View College will provide a learning environment for young people of Scunthorpe of unparalleled quality, providing them with the perfect setting to reach their potential. That the college is being built to Passivhaus standards reflects our commitment and that of the DfE and the Trust to going the extra mile in order to create a first-class, inclusive learning facility while simultaneously protecting the environment.
“We’ll achieve this two-fold objective through a range of tactics. On the inclusive front, we’ll fashion accessible learning spaces that support learning together and easy social interaction. And to secure Passivhaus standards, we’ll be doing things like building in lots of insulation to minimise heating requirements at Trent View College, and creating a smart ventilation strategy for the building. The key is ensuring that the building functions inclusively and sustainably at the same time – for the benefit of students and the planet.”
Josh Greaves, deputy CEO at Wellspring Academy Trust, added: “We are delighted that Trent View College will be built to stringent Passivhaus environmental credentials, supporting our commitment to carbon responsibility and environmental sustainability. In addition, the building’s design principles will offer teaching opportunities and provide excellent material for inclusion in the College’s vibrant and broad curriculum.
“At Wellspring, we understand the importance of space in creating exceptional learning environments for our pupils. The planned build for Trent View College is most definitely exceptional and we’re looking forward to working with Morgan Sindall Construction in turning those plans into reality. As a Trust, we strongly believe in supporting the entire communities in which our schools are based, so we’re really pleased that Morgan Sindall are focusing on using local SME suppliers. Trent View College will bring great benefits to the local area, and that is beginning right from the start of the build process.”
Catherine Ward, associate – HLM, said: “The design process was very collaborative with the Trust in order to nuance the layout of the facilities. This open approach to engagement is particularly critical for this type of school with such very specialist needs, resulting in design proposals that meet the school’s specific requirements to support learning and socialization. Wellspring Academy Trust are a very progressive client and so we’re really looking forward to seeing this project develop on site.”
Business development team boosts investment and jobs in Doncaster
Despite a difficult year the business development team at Business Doncaster ended the 2021/2022 financial year with a whole raft of successes, including:
- Record number of development and investment projects
- More than £120 million of new investment
- Over £8 million of additional local spend through supply chain interventions
- In excess of 2,000 jobs created and safeguarded
- Provided advice to thousands of businesses whilst carefully following eligibility guidelines fto ensure they received the financial support and guidance they so urgently needed
- Administered and issued over £3m in government business grants
Plans submitted for major Leeds riverside development
Glenbrook and Leeds-based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) have submitted full detailed planning applications as part of a joint venture for the £280million masterplan for the development of Whitehall Riverside in Leeds city centre.
The proposal by Glenbrook comprises 500 build to rent apartments across two blocks of 15 and 18 storeys with commercial space at ground floor. The Sheppard Robson designed scheme includes residents’ amenities set across the ground and first floor with expansive terrace gardens overlooking the River Aire, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and the health and well-being of residents.
Speaking about the planning application, Danny Roberts, senior development manager at Glenbrook, said: “Whitehall Riverside represents one of the best residential development opportunities in Leeds city centre. We have a strong track record of successfully delivering high quality and sustainable new homes and have worked closely with TCS to bring this site forward to planning stage. The residential building is a key component of the wider masterplan and will have a transformative impact on this significant stretch of riverside benefitting residents, visitors and the wider community.”
The wider masterplan by Enjoy Design which is being brought forward by TCS includes detailed proposals for a smart enabled and energy efficient office building of 118,165 sq ft, and a state of the art multi-storey car park and travel hub for CitiPark. This will deliver one the largest EV charging sites in the north of the UK using renewable and sustainable electricity. A further two buildings are proposed as future phases which include an aparthotel and additional office accommdation.
A landscaping and public realm proposal designed by re-form will deliver a new riverside park and enhance the biodiversity of the riverside environment. A series of interlinked green streets and cycling routes will improve connectivity and access to the existing riverside to create a high quality destination, attracting new residents and visitors to the scheme.
Craig Burrow, development director at Town Centre Securities, said: “The new Whitehall Riverside masterplan has been designed for the demand of today but with flexibility in mind to adapt to the changing requirements of workspace, residential, electric vehicles and the visitor economy.
“It will further enhance previously delivered phases and create a truly mixed use scheme and neighbourhood for generations to live, work and play. With connectivity and sustainability at the forefront of the design, the next phase will activate the unique stretch of riverside frontage with high quality landscaping and public realm throughout.”
New housing development set for Yorkshire village as land deal completes
Persimmon Homes has completed the purchase of land to unlock a new housing development in the popular village of Anlaby in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
51 new homes will be built as part of the final phase of a wider housing development included in the adopted Local Plan of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The development will showcase Persimmons Homes’ new range of houses with properties ranging from one to four bedrooms with thirteen homes to be handed over to a housing association.
Along with the boost to local housing, the scheme will bring community benefits including significant public open space and an on-site play area.
Persimmon is also contributing over £100,000 to local sports facilities and over £80,000 to fund extra places at nearby schools.
Joel Frank, land director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured reserved matters planning permission for this exciting development in Anlaby.
“Following the success of our nearby developments, we are pleased to once again be working with the local authorities to successfully deliver much-needed high-quality new homes in the East Riding and Hull.
“This scheme will be the first in the region to showcase our new range of houses and with great access to Hull city centre and excellent commuter links to Leeds and York, we know that this scheme will undoubtedly prove popular with homebuyers.”
University of Hull raises £86m to accelerate carbon neutral ambitions
The University of Hull has secured £86m of green funding to invest in sustainable facilities and infrastructure, accelerating its ambition of becoming a carbon neutral campus in 2027.
The private placement funding, provided by three UK and US institutional investors and arranged by Lloyds Bank, will be used to create world-class laboratories and teaching spaces. This will include new carbon efficient and carbon neutral buildings, as well as additional renewable energy and digital infrastructure, providing the highest quality education and research facilities.
One of the university’s key priorities is providing its students with the skills and understanding essential for a career in green industries and tackling the climate emergency.
Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “As students look increasingly to universities to take a leading role in tackling the climate crisis, this investment demonstrates to our current and prospective students that we are leading the way in the fight against climate change through the introduction of competitive, cutting-edge and sustainable campus infrastructure.
“All universities need to invest in their facilities to stay at the forefront of research, teaching and innovation within this challenging landscape. This funding and the subsequent developments will enable the university to focus on upgrading facilities that are key to our long-term strategy and our sense of place, allowing us to carry out world-leading research into climate and health inequalities and providing students with the green skills to contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.”
Andrew Connors, Head of Higher Education at Lloyds Bank, said: “We are delighted to support the University of Hull’s debut Green Private Placement, Green Financing Framework and Revolving Credit Facility. This funding will help the university achieve its ambitious plans to reach Net Zero in 2027. Its impact and benefits will be felt across the whole of the region and we look forward to working with them on this in the coming years.”
Financial advisory and legal services for the investment were provided by QMPF and Mills & Reeves LLP.
First look of exciting new public space in Rotherham town centre revealed
The first look of an exciting new public space in Rotherham town centre has been revealed.
Riverside Gardens is a new public space which will form a key gateway to the flagship Forge Island leisure development and wider town centre.
The introduction of additional green spaces and play, with connections to the river and nature is a major part of the vision for the town centre.
The proposals include a series of soft landscaped terraces, accessible routes from Market Street and Domine Lane, natural play space for children and the creation of a riverside walk along the River Don. There will also be new seating and dwell spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the views.
The scheme extends to Market Street and Domine Lane, with a prime focus on pedestrian access along and into Riverside Gardens. With the pedestrianisation of Domine Lane, the aim is to form an entrance leading to Riverside Gardens and Forge Island from the town centre.
The leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, said: “Riverside Gardens will provide a great gateway into Forge Island but will also be a destination in its own right.
“This scheme is a key part of the Town Centre Masterplan and will complement other public realm work across the town centre as we seek to ensure the area is something the whole town can be proud of.”
The Forge Island leisure development will include an 8-screen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, alongside a 69-room Travelodge hotel. This will be complemented by restaurants, bars and attractive public spaces, creating an exciting mixed-use destination.
You can view and comment on the plans online now until Sunday 15 May at www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk/riverside-gardens
£300,000 investment helps barrister launch new system to record witness statements
A barrister who recognised the value of accurate transcriptions while working as a legal aid lawyer has launched a new system that can automatically capture witness statements.
Sophie Walker’s software is the only AI-driven transcription tool designed specifically for the legal sector.
Her Leeds-based company JUST: Access developed the technology with the help of a £300,000 investment from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and private investors last year.
The software has now been incorporated into video conferencing systems to assist lawyers when interviewing clients or conducting investigations, allowing them to take accurate statements and comply with new regulations.
Dan Thomas of Mercia said: “Transcription is vital to legal practice, but predominantly relies on old-fashioned processes, making it ripe for transformation. The funding has helped Sophie and her team to commercialise the software and explore new opportunities in the legal sector.”
