Conwy homes clear planning

There may be no simple solution for resolving viability issues, but with enough grit, determination, and creative thinking it is possible to move the needle on housing delivery – that was the consensus from an engaging MIPIM session on Thursday hosted by WSP on the North of England Suite.

From marinas to innovation districts, Northern leaders pitched £500m investment visions for their regions at this Dragons Den-style event.

Temporary accommodation for 55 families will be created by Manchester City Council in a former NHS building off Nell Lane.

Stephen Young, Salford City Council chief executive, describes how Salford is a city transformed by a proven track record of major regeneration – bigger, younger, more diverse, and more dynamic than at any point in modern history.

Less than 30 minutes were needed for Manner’s proposal for the site, 619 student flats over 35 storeys, to be approved unanimously.

Outline plans for 120 homes on 10.5 acres north of Cronton Road abutting the existing settlement have been put to Knowsley Council.

The developer has submitted proposals for a 24-storey residential block on the edge of Manchester’s Green Quarter, comprising 251 homes including four townhouses.

Approved in principle last summer, the 1,328-home ECF-led development needs next week’s planning committee to approve temporary bus depots and alternative provision for roosts in buildings set for demolition.

The UK’s renewed focus on new towns is prompting fresh debate about how to create places that thrive for generations. At a panel session hosted by Place North, industry leaders were tasked with a thought experiment: how would they design a settlement from scratch?

After sitting on the report for more than a year, the combined authority has released the 61-page document praising its fund, considered contentious by some and subject of a court case, which GMCA won, scrutinising impact on the market of large loans from the public sector.

Cabinet approval will be sought next week as officers look to advance regeneration in Prescot with Cityheart, and in Huyton with Genr8 Kajima.

Clarion Housing Group has appointed the firm’s building division to construct 126 homes for social rent within the City Place masterplan area.

The UK faces a two‑sided housing crisis: locations unviable for developers, rising costs squeezing out homebuyers. The urban fringe could hold the answer.

The former department store’s redevelopment will lead the way, with the firm set to lead on five of six critical sites around Manchester’s St Mary’s Parsonage area.

The Secretary of State has sided with a Planning Inspector’s verdict that permission should be refused for the 545-home redevelopment of the Heath Business and Technical Park.

In a world that feels increasingly interconnected, the partnership between the UK and Saudi Arabia is proving to be a powerful force in shaping the future of the built environment. At a panel event hosted by Place North and sponsored by Trowers & Hamlins and Studio Hoodless, leading figures from the development industry in both nations came together to discuss how they are working to deliver on bold visions and create new kinds of cities.

Mayors, city leaders, and Combined Authority officials from across the Midlands, the North of England, and Scotland used a roundtable hosted by Place North to argue that the UK’s next wave of growth will be driven by regional cities, highlighting opportunities in AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and housing, while calling for deeper devolution and stronger infrastructure investment.

With more than 800 homes in either planning or about to go into planning, the Muse, Homes England, and Pension Insurance Corporation joint venture is just getting started, according to Lisa Gledhill, managing director for national partnership at Muse.

Along with up to 2,100 homes, Weavers Green could include up to 65,500 sq ft of employment space and local centre facilities.