Home builders seek to lay firm foundations for development after Covid

The event was hosted by Bourne-based developer The Larkfleet Group of Companies.

Speakers included Larkfleet Group chairman Karl Hick, Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, Ben Rudd, associate director at Savills, and Coun Kelham Cooke from South Kesteven District Council.

It attracted delegates from the public and private housing sectors, including planners, estate agents, surveyors, builders and developers and examined challenges facing the industry as it looks to recover after the Covid crisis.

Mr Hick said: “The Government has been clear that recovery in the construction industry is fundamental in terms of boosting the economy, providing jobs and delivering new homes.”

But he said the Government needed to extend the Help to Buy scheme and should do more to help builders deliver energy-saving initiatives.

Sam Hart, director of sales at Larkfleet Homes, said: “The market has held up and we’ve seen a bounce-back in inquiries and reservations.”

He warned: “Whether this will continue, we will have to see. But Help to Buy will be the key driver to keep the market stable so that we can continue delivering homes for all.”

Mr Rudd told delegates: “Most builders have restarted construction, though generally at a slower pace because of Covid restrictions.

“This will slow the pace of delivery of homes to the market but could protect prices.

“People are considering their home and office environment more. This may suggest a move from city centre apartments to more rural homes and family houses.”

Cllr Cooke, the leader of South Kesteven District Council, which aims to deliver 650 homes a year by 2036, said:

“We bring to the table the ability to create the right environment within which you can thrive and prosper. You bring to the table your considerable skills, knowledge, and expertise to turn the opportunity we create into reality.”