Connecting people and place: the benefits of a Digital Built Britain

With the BRE Cities Convention just a few weeks away, two of our speakers and both leading lights of the built environment world provide an insight into what is really driving connected, smart places and a Digital Built Britain. “The drive for a Digital Built Britain resulted from the pressing need for a more productive, … Continue reading “Connecting people and place: the benefits of a Digital Built Britain”

BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government’s policy for local planning practitioners and stakeholders.  This includes the way in which local (and neighborhood) plans are developed and applications assessed, and also direction in respect to local policy ambition and requirements for issues such as health, security, climate change, housing etc. Like many … Continue reading “BRE Response to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation”

Developing healthy homes and communities does not have to cost extra

There is a common view amongst developers that designing and building for health and wellbeing objectives is more expensive than standard projects and that it doesn’t offer return on investment. I have recently written an article which summarises evidence from a range of organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Urban Land … Continue reading “Developing healthy homes and communities does not have to cost extra”

Can ‘building in health’ to new developments save the NHS? – a lively debate in Bristol

Can we save the NHS by building healthier places? This was the provocation at last night’s Developing Healthy Neighbourhoods event as part of Bristol’s Healthy City Week. Organised by Bristol Health Partners and IBI Group, and supported by Bristol’s mayor, this event asked the audience to consider two potential solutions to ‘business as usual’ development … Continue reading “Can ‘building in health’ to new developments save the NHS? – a lively debate in Bristol”