Subterranean termite colony found under two bungalows in 1994 is declared terminated after ‘amazing cooperation’ of homeownersIt was in 1994 that a bungalow owner in Devon called pest control to report that a mysterious “white ant” had chomped through …
‘It was terminal’: the decay and demolition of a Leeds landmark – in pictures
Quarry Hill flats were a dazzling white monument to the future – then the concrete turned grubby. Photographer Peter Mitchell captured their demise Continue reading…
Planning legislation must be amended to protect countryside | Letter
Ros Coward says ministers should prioritise brownfield development and pay attention to Save Kent’s Green Spaces, a day of action on SundayYour leader on urban rewilding schemes (19 November) correctly points out the ecological value of brownfield site…
Battle of Culloden is being fought anew … against an army of house developers
Site where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Jacobite uprising of 1746 under threat from property developmentIt was the last pitched battle fought on British soil, and its outcome determined the future of the newly formed United Kingdom and its fledgling e…
UK’s largest purpose-built village for rough sleepers planned in Manchester
Embassy Village will provide 40 purpose-built pods underneath railway arches in desirable Castlefield district Plans are under way to build the UK’s largest village for rough sleepers in one of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Embassy Villag…
Youth homelessness has risen 40% in five years, says UK charity
Centrepoint estimates 121,000 homeless or at risk, with analysis showing black people disproportionally affectedYouth homeless in the UK has increased by an estimated two-fifths in five years, rising to more than 120,000, a leading charity director has…
‘This is not democracy’: Tories accused of selling out to developers
Environmentalist and landowner Isabella Tree says that ‘troubling’ relationship with housebuilders calls the party’s environmental credentials into questionThe prominent role played by a large housebuilding company and Tory donor in last week’s Conserv…
Tories’ manifesto pledge to build 300,000 houses a year now ‘almost impossible’
Shortages of material, labour and drivers put the party’s mid-2020 target in serious jeopardy, say analystsBoris Johnson’s election pledge to build 300,000 new houses a year is in serious jeopardy in the face of labour and material shortages that are c…
‘Send us home,’ beg Afghan refugees stuck in UK hotels
Thousands who fled Taliban are living in hotels with inadequate healthcare in Operation Warm Welcome Afghans who recently arrived in the UK after fleeing the Taliban takeover have asked to be sent back, casting doubt over the success of Operation Warm …
Gove looks at cutting insurance costs to tackle building safety crisis
Housing secretary may also push developers to pay for repairs in signs of renewed push to fix problemAnalysis: bolder moves required as Gove tackles crisisMichael Gove is exploring how to cut soaring insurance premiums for homeowners hit by the buildin…