Kilmerlin Danesmount has submitted a planning application to Maidstone Borough Council for the redevelopment of the former Army & Navy department store.

Lord Smith of Finsbury has been appointed as chairman of the Environment Agency.

Meadowcroft Griffin has been appointed to head a design-led commission by London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) to prepare a delivery and implementation strategy for the Poplar Riverside area of the Lower Lea Valley.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council has selected Carillion as preferred developer for the £50m redevelopment of Wellington Road South.

Orkney Islands Council has selected three architects to produce design concepts for the redevelopment of Stromness Pierhead.

A shortage in skills will continue to be a challenge for the built environment, and one that will worsen as the demand for construction work increases, according to the latest skills survey by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

A joint venture between London & Quadrant Housing Trust and George Wimpey East London has received planning permission to build a new housing development in Barking.

Architect Dr Paul Stollard has taken up the director's post for the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland.