INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
Squirrels under threat
P lans for a major renewable energy project in Wales have sparked opposition from conservationists, who warn it could devastate one of the country’s last red squirrel populations. Developer Galileo Empower has put forward proposals for the Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park, covering 1,120 hectares near Lampeter and Llanwrtyd Wells. The scheme would include 19 wind turbines up to 230 metres high, 12MW of solar panels and a 50MW battery storage system. The project is currently in statutory pre-application consultation, with a final submission to the Welsh Government expected before the end of 2025. The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales (WTSWW) claims at least 40 hectares of forest would be lost if the scheme goes ahead, destroying key habitat for endangered red squirrels. The trust argues that construction would fragment the population, leaving
the animals vulnerable to disease from invasive grey squirrels and predation. Sarah Kessell, Chief Executive of WTSWW, said: “The trust understands the necessity for renewable energy developments, especially in the climate crisis we are facing, but we believe that development should not come at the expense of nature. “All development must be
located, designed and delivered in a way that contributes to nature’s recovery, not its decline.”
New towns unit to speed up delivery
NEWS IN NUMBERS
T he government has revived its new towns three large-scale communities by 2029. A new towns unit is being set up to clear barriers and move projects forward. Frontrunners include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in Enfield and Leeds South Bank, although 12 sites have been identified nationwide. Each is expected to deliver 10,000 homes, with 40 per cent affordable housing, half of which will be for social rent. agenda, pledging to begin construction on at least
For smaller builders, the initiative could open long-term opportunities in regeneration, urban extensions, and large-scale mixed-use developments. The government is promising “accountable development agencies” to steer delivery, alongside strategic environmental assessments before final sites are confirmed next year. While unlikely to contribute quickly to the government’s 1.5 million homes target, the new towns are being framed as a legacy project to deliver sustainable growth well beyond 2030.
44% The percentage of
construction professionals who expect workloads to remain flat over the next year. Source: BCIS
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