The Week That Was - 16 May 2025

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Securing electricity for development projects

In a new article, our non-contentious construction team discuss the lengthy delays that developers are facing when seeking to reserve power on the grid. 

The article discusses the option of appointing an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO). 

Unlike the standard, non-negotiable terms often presented by Distribution Network Operators, appointments with IDNOs and ICPs are typically negotiated commercial agreements and the article touches on some of the key issues encountered in concluding electricity connection agreements.

Click here to read more.

Minister meets developers to find ways to speed up BSR applications

The Building Safety Minister has said that "the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is exploring all possible options" with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to help the BSR fulfil its functions and has met with developers to hear their concerns.  Following Grenfell, developers are required to pass through three gateway stages to get sign-off for a residential development taller than 18 metres.

The MHCLG acknowledged that delays to high-rise projects were being caused by problems in processing the high demand of applications.  While the Building Safety Minister did not confirm what options were being considered, he did point to the extra funding the Government has given the BSR for more building control caseworkers and in-house technical specialists.

Click here to read more.

London Mayor signals radical shift on greenbelt to tackle London housing crisis

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced that he will explore releasing parts of London's greenbelt for housing and industrial development saying that the scale of the housing crisis requires 'bold solutions'.  Khan said that London needs 88,000 new homes a year for the next decade to meet demand.  A consultation on the next version of the London Plan opened on 9 May with the document stating that "new industrial designations in low-quality parts of the green belt" will also be considered.  

Khan promised to work with central government on investment in infrastructure and transport, including proposed extensions to the Bakerloo line and DLR.  Khan said that dense, well-connected housing would be prioritised. 

Click here to read more.

Skykomish Ltd v Gerald Eve LLP [2025] EWHC 1031 (Ch)

In this case, the Claimant relied on a valuation of the leasehold provided by the Defendant (a firm of surveyors) on 18 February 2015 so it could provide mezzanine finance with a profit share.  The Claimant asserted the valuation was negligent in a number of respects. The development has now sold for a significantly lower sum than the valuation and the Claimant will recover nothing on its investment. 

The judge had considerable reservations about expert evidence called on behalf of a claimant.  Not all the problems that occurred were the fault of the expert.  However, she was the third expert in the case, from the same firm, and the judge considered that there was a danger of “anchoring”.  Further, in some respects, the expert gave the impression of attempting to argue the case on behalf of the claimant.  The judge also recognised that in late 2014, the Aberdeen property market was at the point of downturn.  A rise in construction inflation and a fall in demand (taking rents and occupancy with it), were all contributing factors that were neither foreseen nor reasonably foreseeable. 

The judge concluded that, on the facts, no theory of law provided for recovery. Although the loss had been caused by the valuation figure, it was a reasonable figure.  As such, there was no breach.  While terms of the Engagement Letter were breached, they were not the cause of loss in this case.  Therefore, the claim failed. 

The full judgment is available here.

Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd building new school in Weston-Super-Mare

A new 630-pupil primary school is being constructed in North Somerset by Willmott Dixon as part of Persimmon Homes’ Haywood Village development.  Set to open in 2026, the school’s name, Airfield Primary Academy, honours the town’s aviation history.  The school will include 21 classrooms, a 103-place nursery, a school hall, kitchen, a community hub and more.  It will be the second school developed by Persimmon on the site, aiming to support the area's growing population. 

Environmentally-friendly features include solar panels, air-source heat pumps, wildflower areas, and, potentially, beehives.  The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), which operates six other high-performing local schools, will manage the academy. Persimmon’s plan to deliver 2,500 homes and essential infrastructure, emphasizing sustainability, education, and community development.  Both Persimmon and Willmott Dixon highlight the project’s long-term benefits for local families.

Click here to read more.

The UK Research and Innovation Science and Technology Facilities Council framework 2025 – 29

The UK Government’s science and engineering research agency, UKRI-STFC, is launching a four-year professional services framework to support routine capital projects across its innovation campuses at Harwell and Daresbury.  The framework includes eight lots: project and programme management, cost and quantity surveying, lead design, architectural, civil and structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and public health), sustainability and carbon, and NEC supervisor services.

UKRI-STFC aims to streamline procurement and onboarding processes, improve project delivery efficiency, and ensure consistent, high-quality service.  The framework is designed to support safe, timely, and cost-effective project execution aligned with contractual and budgetary constraints. Founded in 2007, UKRI-STFC focuses on research in particle physics, nuclear physics, space science, and astronomy.  Bids for the framework will be assessed with a strong emphasis on quality (70%) over cost (30%), highlighting the agency’s priority on service standards and technical expertise.

Click here to read more.

With thanks to Jessica Ventham, Alisha Jackson, and Kelly Smith

Disclaimer: The information in this publication is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  We attempt to ensure that the content is current as at the date of publication, but we do not guarantee that it remains up to date.  You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.