More developers return to site

Keepmoat Homes is the latest homebuilder to announce a return to construction.

The Doncaster based firm will return on 46 sites across England after it closed all its developments at the end of March in order to be sure of the health, safety and wellbeing of its customers, employees and contractors.

The reopening will taken placed under a phased programme over the next few weeks.cSites will strictly follow guidance on social distancing issued by the Construction Leadership Council and endorsed by the Government.

Tim Beale chief executive officer said:“The Government recognises the construction industry as a cornerstone of the UK economy and a major employer.

“It knows we have the skills and procedures to manage safety on site and trusts us to be in the vanguard of the return to work.”

“Despite the pressure to continue meeting local and national housing need, we have had overwhelming support from our local authority and housing association partners in prioritising the safety of our colleagues.”

Beale added: “The needs of first time buyers for an affordable first step on the housing ladder are unchanged. We have seen continuing demand for new homes and are ensuring that homes are available to buy as consumer confidence returns.”

However despite this Keepmoat Homes has warned of potential problems for the housebuilding industry in the supply of essential construction materials, the connection of utilities, the availability of mortgages and the valuation of homes for mortgage purposes.

Alongside Keepmoat, York-based Nu Space Homes has returned to work across it sites in Acomb, Bilbrough, York, Northallerton, and Church Fenton.

The developer says it is following the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines and has introduced individual visitor appointments to ensure home buyers and staff are safe while onsite.

Director of Nu Space Homes, Nick Robinson, said: “With all sites now open, our sales team is operating individual viewing appointments to allow safe social distancing.

“Alternatively, for those that prefer not to or are unable to travel, we can offer a telephone and email contact service.”