Government approves Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant but with revised conditions September 15, 2016 The government approved plans to build the controversial £18bn Hinkley Point C project, but with revised conditions. The move, which paves the way for the UK's first new nuclear power plant in a generation, includes measures to ensure French utility giant EDF remains the controlling partner during the construction phase. Whitehall will also be able to intervene in the sale of [...]
Cross-party group of 11 London councils calls on Theresa May to back Gatwick expansion August 11, 2016 A cross-party group of 11 London councils is urging the Prime Minister to back Gatwick expansion over Heathrow. In a letter to Theresa May, the councils said there is a “broad and growing consensus behind Gatwick expansion” and pledged to work with ministers to support the “bold and ambitious project”. Their backing comes after mayor of [...]
Scrap the state pension “triple lock” urges ex-pensions minister July 31, 2016 The so-called triple lock for state pensions should be scrapped, the former pensions minister has said. The costly protection which guarantees a yearly rise in line with either inflation, average earnings or 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest – should be dropped by the government to save billions of pounds, outgoing pensions minister Baroness Altman [...]
The economics of iceberg homes: Are mega-basements just a sunk cost? October 26, 2016 Even if you’re rich, London’s above-ground space limitations and conservation rules can put the kibosh on building your dream home. If you have a vision of putting a swimming pool, cinema or bowling alley in your Georgian terrace, you’ll probably have to think vertically to realise it. Over the last decade, iceberg basements have become [...]
These are Britain’s ugliest new buildings September 1, 2016 Ugly new buildings are popping up all the time, but only the biggest crimes in British architecture make it onto the Carbuncle Cup's shortlist. The list, compiled by design experts for architect trade bible Building Design, is a real horror show this year – and London is well represented. The City has, of course, made the shortlist, [...]
Dithering on airport capacity is choking British businesses, Theresa May needs to take urgent action August 30, 2016 The decision on whether to construct a new runway in the south east of England has been parked for too long. That cannot remain the case for much longer – a lack of airport capacity in the south east is acting a major constraint upon business and economic growth. Business leaders have become increasingly exasperated [...]
Prime Minister Theresa May set to power up Hinkley Point September 14, 2016 The government is expected to press the button on two new nuclear reactors in Somerset as early as this week. Yesterday, reports suggested that the government has told France it has approved an £18bn plan by French company EDF to build two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The likely green light for the reactors is [...]
Costain’s share price jumps five per cent following “excellent” half-year results August 24, 2016 Shares at the construction company at the centre of the London Bridge station regeneration leapt five per cent this morning after releasing half-year results and shrugged off concerns about the Brexit vote. Speaking with City AM, Costain's finance chief Tony Bickerstaff hailed the results and said that "we see as many opportunities coming out of Brexit as concerns." "It is [...]
Shares in EDF have jumped – but not because of last night’s Hinkley Point decision July 29, 2016 Shares in French power giant EDF were up more than 10 per cent this morning – but it wasn't just investors rewarding its board for finally getting around to making a decision on the construction of the much-delayed Hinkley Point C. Shares rose 10.5 per cent to €12.16 in Paris, after results posted by the company [...]
The case for Hinkley Point C has collapsed: It’s time to scrap it July 28, 2016 Assuming its unions have not succeeded in stopping it, the board of EDF is today expected to wave through a decision on Hinkley C, the first new nuclear power station in the UK for 20 years and, at £18bn, the world’s most expensive power station. It’s easy to forget, Hinkley C was the future once. [...]