The Week That Was - 17 October 2025

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

On 14 October 2025, the government announced landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill amendments to slash delays and accelerate major construction projects nationwide. New powers will let ministers block council refusals on key schemes, while measures to prevent permissions expiring during judicial review will unlock stalled housing, reservoir, and windfarm developments. Reservoirs and water supply schemes led by non-water sector firms will be fast-tracked as nationally significant infrastructure, boosting water security and enabling new housing. Streamlining Natural England’s advisory role will focus resources on high-impact cases, speeding up approvals and reducing bureaucracy. The package is set to create thousands of jobs, deliver £2bn investment, and support the “Build, baby, build” ambition for 1.5 million homes and clean power by 2030. Industry leaders welcome the urgent changes, calling them “critical to unlocking economic growth.” Report stage starts 20 October—construction professionals should prepare for rapid, transformative change.

The full article can be found here.

Tailored Lifestyle Group - approach attracts recognition

The National Contractor (under £5m) category of the NBCA is only one of few awards that Tailored Lifestyle Group has been shortlisted for. To put their accomplishment into context, construction is responsible for around 40 per cent of the UK’s waste; if other development companies follow their lead by operating in an environmentally conscious manner, this would have a significant positive influence on the industry's sustainable performance.  The article lists some of the company's sustainable practices and their impact. It discusses how developing buildings on brownfield and greyfield sites protects our plants and animals.  It further explains how utilising efficient building techniques creates energy-efficient and, by extension, cost-effective houses (leading to more affordable homes).  Additionally, their focus on meeting community needs is exemplified by their transformation of a former pub into homes designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties and neurodiverse conditions.

The full article can be found here.

Andy Matthews Studio reveals designs for self-build railway arch bike shop

This week, Andy Matthews Studio unveiled its inventive design for a self-build bike shop set within a London railway arch, as featured in Architects’ Journal.  Beyond retail, the shop is conceived as a community hub, offering space for repairs, workshops, and local events, thereby fostering engagement among cyclists and residents.  The project exemplifies urban regeneration, transforming an overlooked railway arch into a vibrant, functional asset.  Notably, the self-build ethos empowers users to participate in the construction process, encouraging skills development and a sense of ownership.  As planning progresses, the initiative stands as a model for repurposing urban infrastructure, highlighting the potential of collaborative, sustainable design in shaping London’s future.

The full article can be found here.

Mallas v Persimmon Homes Ltd and another company [2025] EWHC 2581

This week, the High Court delivered its judgment in Mallas v Persimmon Homes Ltd and Another, a case with significant implications for property development and contractual representations. The dispute centred on whether Persimmon Homes had misrepresented key aspects of a residential development and breached contractual obligations owed to Mr Mallas. The court scrutinised the parties’ negotiations, the accuracy of pre-contractual statements, and the clarity of the written agreement. Ultimately, the judge found that Persimmon Homes was liable for certain misrepresentations and breaches, awarding damages to the claimant. The judgment underscores the importance for developers of ensuring all representations are accurate and that contractual documentation is clear and comprehensive. For purchasers, it highlights the need to verify all assurances and seek legal advice before entering into property transactions. This decision is a timely reminder of the risks associated with unclear or misleading communications in property deals.

The full judgment can be found here [may require subscription]

Thrive launches first measurement framework to meet new UK government social value rules

This week, Thrive launched the UK’s first measurement framework designed to help organisations comply with new government social value rules, as reported by CIN Magazine.  The framework addresses the requirements set out in the Social Value Model, enabling businesses to quantify, monitor, and report their social impact in public sector contracts. Industry response has been positive, with commentators noting the framework’s potential to drive best practice and support meaningful change.  As organisations adapt to evolving regulations, Thrive’s initiative sets a benchmark for measuring and maximising social value across the UK public sector landscape.

The full article can be found here.

With thanks to Jessica Hill, Amraj Biring and Sydney Kowalczyk

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.