Gray Matters: July Edition

This is the latest edition of Gray Matters, where we delve into the recent updates in the housing sector, including the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and CALA’s first completed net zero carbon-enabled home.

We will also be introducing our newest member of the TGL team…

Welcome to the team Brandon!

Brandon has joined Thomas Gray as a Research Consultant, bringing a fresh perspective from his recent graduation at the University of Exeter where he studied Finance, Business and Economics. Prior to and during his time at University, Brandon worked at Costa Coffee where he progressed into a managerial role and enjoyed building relationships with both suppliers and customers.

Having started his journey with us at TGL in 2024, Brandon's focus is connecting with industry professionals to support the wider team and gain valuable knowledge regarding the sector and functions within to enable him to become one of our specialist consultants.

When not 3 putting on the golf course, Brandon can be seen out with his friends and family attempting to put behind his university antics or losing his family dog in the woods, much to his parents' worry.

Quiz Questions...

Best place you have visited?

"I’ve got to say Mexico, Cancún, where I had the privilege to go and experience the historical ruins of Chichin Itza and the Temples of Tulum making some lifelong memories."

Top two movies?

"I am definitely an action filled movie person, so it has to be Catch Me If You Can and The Italian Job, because who doesn’t love seeing three beautiful cars racing around a beautiful city!"

The perfect 3 course meal?

"The best starter to line the stomach would be Bruschetta, followed by a giant beef roast dinner which will leave me feeling like Mr Creosote afterwards. To finish off I would go for a Tiramisu - the perfect light pudding with that little hit of coffee."

Grey belt and NPPF potential changes

To support Rayners reintroduction of the mandatory housing targets of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years, Housebuilders will be allowed to propose developments on “grey belt” land if local authorities lack up to date local plans.

“Grey belt” land must now be reviewed by councils to meet their housing targets, whilst ensuring land reserved for environmental purposes will remain protected.

CALA’s first net zero carbon-enabled home

The four-bedroom property located in Peterborough at their Hampton Lakes development will soon be occupied, allowing the developer to monitor its technical viability and user experience of sustainable technologies in a real-life setting.

The home will use potentially 95% less primary energy than a regular CALA home, built to its current regulations, and was constructed using modern methods of construction.

The property includes a timber frame, low-carbon bricks, triple glazing windows and enhanced insulation.