Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘New targets and planning reforms a welcome change for urban development’

The reintroduction of compulsory housebuilding targets for local councils is a transformative shift in policy.

‘New targets and planning reforms a welcome change for urban development’

AS A founding partner of Summix, a company dedicated to creating sustainable communities across the UK and Ireland since 2006, I welcome chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcements on planning regulations and house building.

These reforms align closely with our mission to provide solutions to the housing crisis and could significantly impact our work in urban regeneration and strategic land development.


The reintroduction of compulsory housebuilding targets for local councils is a transformative shift in policy.

At Summix, we’ve long recognised the urgent need for new homes, having brought thousands of homes through the planning system across the UK and Ireland. The ambitious goal of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years presents both a challenge and an opportunity for planners like us who specialise in unlocking complex sites and providing much-needed confidence for the journey ahead.

Reeves’ promise to overhaul the “antiquated planning system” resonates with us. Our projects, such as the one at Worcestershire Parkway that the chancellor specifically name-checked in her speech on Monday (8), often involve navigating complex planning processes.

A more efficient system will allow us to deliver larger and more sustainable developments more rapidly, addressing housing needs while creating vibrant, multifunctional spaces.

The emphasis on a “brownfield and grey belt-first approach” aligns perfectly with Summix’s urban regeneration strategy.

Our Central Quay project in Glasgow exemplifies our commitment to transforming brownfield sites into thriving communities. This policy shift will likely create more opportunities for us to revitalise underutilised urban areas, a core aspect of our business.

The addition of 300 planning officers across the country is excellent news. At Summix, we pride ourselves on close collaboration with local authorities and communities, and we can see clearly that these authorities are stretched and under-resourced.

Enhanced planning resources will facilitate smoother interactions and accelerate projects from initial concept to final delivery, something our nation needs desperately.

The new task force to “accelerate stalled housing sites” addresses a challenge we often encounter. Our expertise in unlocking difficult sites positions us well to contribute to this initiative, and we hope the new government will work more closely with the private sector to understand the problems we face and how we can solve them together to help move the country forward.

In conclusion, a change in government policy gives us hope for a promising future for regeneration. As a company committed to creating places where people can live, work, and play, we at Summix are encouraged by these policy shifts.

They promise to create a more conducive environment for innovative urban regeneration and strategic land development.

DP Comment Amit Bhatia byline pic scaled e1720612644450 Amit Bhatia

However, the success of these reforms will depend on their implementation. We stand ready to work closely with local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders to realise the full potential of these changes. Our experience in delivering complex projects across the UK and Ireland positions us well to contribute to this new era of house building and urban regeneration.

As we move forward, Summix will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that we not only help the nation meet its housing targets but also create sustainable, thriving communities that stand the test of time. The challenges ahead are significant, but with these policy changes, we are more optimistic than ever.

More For You

Dynamic dance passion

Mevy Qureshi conducting a Bollywoodinspired exercise programme

Dynamic dance passion

Mevy Qureshi

IN 2014, I pursued my passion for belly dancing at the Fleur Estelle Dance School in Covent Garden, London. Over the next three years, I mastered techniques ranging from foundational movements to advanced choreography and performance skills. This dedication to dance led to performing in front of audiences, including a memorable solo rendition of Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, which showcased dynamic stage presence and delighted the crowd.

However, my connection to dance began much earlier. The energy, vibrancy, and storytelling of Bollywood captivated me from a very young age. The expressive movements, lively music, and colourful costumes offered a sense of joy and empowerment that became the foundation of my dance passion.

Keep ReadingShow less
‘Will Gaza surrender if brutal strategy of famine is forced?’

A boy looks on as he eats at a camp sheltering displaced Palestinians set up at a landfil in the Yarmuk area in Gaza City on March 20, 2025. Israel bombarded Gaza and pressed its ground operations on March 20, after issuing what it called a "last warning" for Palestinians to return hostages and remove Hamas from power.

Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

‘Will Gaza surrender if brutal strategy of famine is forced?’

THERE was supposed to be a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, yet Israel appears to have turned to a new and deadly weapon – starvation of the besieged population.

Is this a cunning way to avoid accusations of breaking the peace agreement? Instead of re-starting the bombardment, is mass famine the new tactic?

Keep ReadingShow less
Bollywood meets Hollywood: A fusion of glamour, identity, and rebellion

Shiveena Haque

Bollywood meets Hollywood: A fusion of glamour, identity, and rebellion

Shiveena Haque

BOLLYWOOD and Hollywood are so similar, yet worlds apart, but their influences run deep. While each is celebrated for being unique, what isn’t often discussed or acknowledged are the times when they have beautifully blended, including in everyday life.

Many of these influences will always run deep. From vintage Hollywood to sparkles of Hindi cinema, their romance has created many passionate, brave spirits, with a dash of rebellion, adorned with diamantes and dramatic gestures. One of them is me! It’s a flame that will never go out.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

Comment: Ramadan’s message of unity, charity, and faith can inspire us all

Nigel Huddleston

RAMADAN is a unique and special time for Muslims in Britain and across the world. It is a time to reflect on and renew their faith, through devotion and spirituality, while fulfilling the five pillars of Islam.

During this hugely important time of prayer and fasting, the message of Ramadan is one we can all relate to – especially the importance of charity and compassion. These core values at the heart of Islamic faith are the very same values that those of all faiths or none can aspire to.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford, chair of the project; Vikram Doraiswami, India’s high commissioner to the UK; Lord Navnit Dholakia, former deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats; and Professor Mark Smith, vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, at the launch of the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project in July 2024

Comment: ‘UK’s multicultural identity owes much to south Asians’

Sabu S Padmadas

IN 1951, Sardar Harnam Singh Roudh arrived by himself to England from Punjab, carrying only a suitcase of clothes and £3 in his pocket.

His legacy as a pioneer is best remembered for his compassionate leadership and selfless service in uniting people from diverse backgrounds, while championing the local Sikh community to thrive in a multicultural Britain.

Keep ReadingShow less