Opinion – Page 271
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CommentThe case for skyscrapers: Scaling new heights
The 9/11 attacks made us nervous about erecting tall buildings but actually we need them more than ever - after all, they offer a more sustainable solution than urban sprawl
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CommentIs the planning system for homes getting worse?
The reported drop in planning permissions may seem like bad news, but be careful how you interpret these statistics
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CommentMy digital life: Mark Clinton
Stalking his kids on Facebook and beating his wife at Bejewelled
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CommentHansom: Bon appetit
On the menu this August we have tasteful art shows, oh-so-sweet cricket matches and an example of over-healthy team bonding, all washed down with a few pints of beer and a cheeky little red
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CommentUK aggregates markets: Fault lines
The UK aggregates, cement and concrete market is creaking under pressure, as regulatory inquiries intensify. Is dominance by the five major players damaging competition or are there other factors causing cracks in the system? Building reports
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Comment
Inbox: pointing the finger
It’s a matter of accountability this week, as readers blame the ONS for overestimating and distorting statistics, columnists for failing to give the full story, and arsonists - not timber - for being a fire risk
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CommentRocky financial markets: Tread carefully
The turbulence of the financial markets will rock construction when what it most needs is stability - but with sovereign debt crises in Europe and the US, how likely is that?
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CommentWonders and Blunders with Ann Gray
Ann Gray compares two very similar buidings this week - with very different conclusions. The Disney concert hall in LA makes her heart sing but there’s more than one bum note in Seattle
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CommentAn unfair fight
This week we’re looking at contracts - subbies being squeezed and public private partnerships
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CommentSkills crisis: Train to win
With a maturing workforce and negative perception among young people, the industry is facing a future skills crisis. We must act now to stop this time bomb
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CommentFeel the burn
If this worker was pushing the car, perhaps this much effort would be justified. But a lamp? He’s not going to win the World’s Strongest Man competition like this. Thanks to David King for the photo
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CommentPlant hire prices remain flat and subdued
Construction forecasts suggest hire firms will struggle in months to come
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CommentThe PFI alternatives may be hard to swallow
MPs are wary of PFI but the alternatives could see the government having to take on more risk
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CommentPFI doesn't have to be 'poor value'
PFI is ’poor value’ say MPs but they ignore the benefits such as risk transfer, predictability and maintenance of the public sector estate
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CommentDon’t read scare stories into the housing figures – we already know things are bad
The latest CLG housebuilding figures are in
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CommentLocal Enterprise Zones: The South finally gets a look-in
Labour was guilty of ignoring areas of deprivation in the South East that were in dire need of regeneration
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CommentLet’s not waste this crisis of confidence over the construction output figures
We need a proper review of new and old figures for construction output – not least as it’s used as a basis for policy making
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CommentPre-recession construction industry 7% bigger than we thought – statistically speaking anyway
Revised figures mean history looks different than it did a week ago – and it impacts on how we view today and tomorrow
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Comment
Fitness for purpose: Baylis Farms Limited vs R B Dymott Builders Ltd
This case concerns a blocked drain following completion of works that was not “fit for purpose”