The article examines how the Labour government’s introduction of the “greybelt” concept has changed planning practice in England, allowing some land within the green belt to be argued for development through individual planning applications. It highlights growing tension between national housing ambitions and local resistance, with developers increasingly using the revised National Planning Policy Framework to appeal refusals.
RICS reports that UK construction workloads improved slightly in Q2 2026, but overall activity remained negative for a fifth consecutive quarter. Infrastructure was the strongest area, while private housing remained the weakest, with respondents still citing regulatory barriers, Building Safety Regulator issues, labour shortages and material cost pressures.
An employment tribunal has awarded former Elements Europe workers a 90-day protective award after finding the collapsed modular specialist failed to consult properly over mass redundancies. The ruling held that the company breached section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act in relation to collective consultation requirements.
Construction sector insolvencies reached a record July high, with 32 business failures reported and year-to-date administrations running ahead of last year. The article highlights pressure from rising costs, low margins, reduced activity and liquidity strain, with some firms ceasing to trade and others rescued through administration processes or pre-pack sales.
