Latest articles by Joseph Mullane
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews face public inquiry over planning row for their Berkshire estate
Villagers claim they have used the route for decades as a public footpath – now a government inspector will rule on the dispute near Pippa Middleton’s country home
I wasted £100s paying for locksmiths to change my door locks. But it turns out I could've done it easily myself — here's how
Videos showing how to change four different types of lock mean you can save money and never need to pay a locksmith for a basic lock change again
Historic blacksmith workshop goes up for sale for £250k with plans for a self builder to forge a new home
A 40-year-old iron forge known for bespoke gates and railings is being sold as a self-build plot with plans previously approved for a three-storey home
Alan Carr launches bid for 'pink' castle for new Disney+ series
Alan Carr turns Traitors inspiration into a new adventure as he bids for one of Britain’s most historic castles in his new series Castle Man
OBR delivers hammer blow to Government’s housing targets as Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement offers no solutions
OBR says housebuilding will fall to 220,000 before recovering – as industry warns targets are now completely unrealistic
Homebuilding sector issues 'dire' warning of housing crisis ahead of Spring Statement
Construction leaders warn Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge is at risk as insolvencies rise, labour shortages deepen, and the Spring Statement approaches
Ambulance garage owner refuses to take down massive structure after defying council's planning rules
Daniel Toma refuses to remove a huge garage built without planning permission, insisting it is essential for his ambulance business despite repeated council enforcement
Why the collapse of ECO4 should make officials rethink home retrofits
Failed insulation schemes should be used as a learning point for the government, a new framework suggests
Shirlie Kemp recycles her Belfast sink in the garden in this ingenious way
Shirlie has repurposed an old Belfast sink to create a vegetable washing station in her garden, showing how everyday items can be reused creatively in garden design
Historic water tower offers a Grand Designs-style home, but it’s not for the faint-hearted
A rare Braintree landmark promises a stunning home conversion with a twist that will test the adventurous
No, wood burners aren’t being banned — but these huge changes are being debated
Media reports have suggested wood-burning stoves could be banned in the UK, but a new government consultation shows that while no ban is planned, major new emissions limits, health warning labels and tougher fines are firmly on the table
Keen to include ways to build an eco home in your project? Try these 9 expert-recommended methods
From insulation and structure through to energy and materials, we explore the best ways to build an eco home and how to decide which ones are right for you
Energy price cap cut by 7% – here’s how much you’ll save on bills
The energy price cap drops 7% in April 2026, lowering electricity and gas bills for households across Great Britain
Martin Lewis warns price cap is still 'pants' and cheapest deals could beat it by 15%
Energy bills set to drop from April as the new 6.9% Price Cap comes into effect, but households could save even more by switching to fixed deals, Martin Lewis warns
What is the Home Energy Model? The way EPCs are calculated is about to change
Discover what the Home Energy Model is, how it calculates energy use, and the implications for homebuilders, renovators, and Energy Performance Certificates
Sussex seafront plot offers chance to build bespoke beach house
No house, no outdated interiors, no demolition bills – just a rare stretch of beachfront ready for someone to build their dream home
Homeowners could soon profit from local energy shares under new Local Power Plan
New government support could let people benefit financially from clean energy projects near their homes
Laura Hamilton explains why staying put and renovating could be your smartest move in 2026
Property expert and TV presenter Laura Hamilton shares her advice for homeowners who want to add value in 2026
New AI planning tool to launch this spring to speed up planning decisions
Government expands “Extract” after successful trials to cut hours of paperwork into minutes and help meet the 1.5 million homes target
Housing approvals drop 11% as planning delays place more pressure on Steve Reed
Latest housing data shows planning decisions are slowing dramatically, putting pressure on ministers to deliver 1.5 million new homes and fulfil planned reforms
Beckhams’ Cotswolds pond lighting plans face scrutiny over bat safety
Local authorities are reviewing David and Victoria Beckham’s latest plans for their Oxfordshire estate amid concerns that outdoor lighting could disrupt protected wildlife, particularly bats
Planning permission: when, where, how, and what do you need it for?
Planning permission requires careful preparation and attention to detail to make sure your project proceeds smoothly and avoids unnecessary delays or setbacks
One of Cornwall’s most secluded plots just got planning for three modern homes
Tucked away in a tiny rural hamlet near the south Cornish coast, this £450,000 development site comes with full planning permission for three contemporary homes, making it a rare find for self-builders
