Bee Bricks Planning Initiative in New Homes Sparks Debate

Bee bricks with planting at chelsea alitex stand.
(Image credit: Green&Blue)

A planning condition in Brighton which necessitates the inclusion of bee bricks in some new buildings has sparked controversy over whether it will really increase biodiversity. 

Brighton & Hove Council announced in 2020 that the condition would be attached to all planning permissions from 1 April 2020 for all new buildings above five metres, would could affect some self builders. New homes also need to include bird nesting boxes suitable for swifts (which already feature in other UK planning policies).

Jack Woodfield
News Editor

Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage and hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms. 


He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.