INSIGHT

A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news, products and events. By Jennifer Grimble

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With great power...

Under the Government's new planning and infrastructure bill, councils across England are being given more freedom to 'seize land' for new housing. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook recently announced he wants greater use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), which would allow local authorities to acquire land without the consent of the owner.

Right now, councils buying through CPOs must factor in the land's potential value, should planning permission for development be secured. However, this rule is set to be ditched, allowing land to be bought at a much lower price. Farmers and other rural land owners have raised concerns over the plans, but Pennycook confirmed that these new looser rules should mainly be applied to brownfield, or previously developed, land.

BEAUTIFUL BATHING

Roper Rhodes has unveiled a contemporary take on the freestanding bath. With its sleek, double-ended design and uninterrupted curves, the Note Bath balances style with comfort. The tub has a generous depth and is also available in a space-saving 1500mm size. The Note Bath comes in a white gloss finish, with a 10-year guarantee. Prices start at £1,540.

SAVE BIG ON LOW CARBON SYSTEMS