EN:Connect New Build – Delivering New Homes in 2026 and Beyond: FHS, BNG and Planning Reform Explained

Practical insights from EN Procure and sector experts to help you unlock new schemes

Following last week’s update on the Future Homes Standard (FHS), EN Procure is pleased to invite you to our upcoming EN Connect Webinar, taking place at 10:00am on 30 April 2026.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. With Homes England reopening CME bidding for the new £39bn Affordable Homes Programme, after a period of limited development activity, this represents a major opportunity for Registered Providers and Local Authorities to bring forward new schemes.

This is a pivotal moment for affordable housing—and EN Procure is here to support you every step of the way.

Hear from our industry experts:

• Future Homes Standard (FHS): Paul Bainbridge, The FES Group 
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Faye Durkin, Greengage 
• Planning Reform: Speaker tbc from P+HS Architects 

Join us to gain practical, actionable insights and position your organisation to take full advantage of upcoming opportunities.

Richard Greenwood MCIOB, MIOD
Director of Operations New Build, EN:Procure

Richard has over 35 years’ experience in the construction industry, 30 of which are in the affordable housing sector. His experience has focused on commercial contracting, working at regional house building contractors where he has been responsible for both pre contract and delivery across the North of England.  He started his career in Estimating and Surveying and has been in commercial leadership roles since 2008.

Richard was appointed to lead EN:Procure’s New Build and Land Development in 2025 after previously leading EN:Able Build since 2023. His wealth of skills and experience are helping to deliver more affordable housing across the North of England, working in close partnership with landowners, developers, local authorities, and Efficiency North’s membership of Registered Providers of social housing to deliver new homes.

Richard has an excellent understanding of the housing development market, including sales, affordable and PRS/BTR tenures.  He enjoys developing new opportunities and leading projects with multidisciplinary teams of, colleagues, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders from conception through to contract.

Faye Durkin 
Head of Nature, Greengage Environmental Ltd.

Faye leads the Greengage Nature team. She’s particularly passionate about sustainable development and enjoys working with clients to overcome their challenges and explore opportunities to enhance the natural environment for the benefit of both people and nature. She has a wealth of experience ranging from residential developments to large commercial sites and strategic biodiversity net gain projects for the Environment Agency and Natural England. She was also involved in the development of the Great Crested Newt (GCN) District Level Licence for Cheshire and was the lead author on the CIEEM, IEMA and Ciria publication: Mandatory BNG in England: A Guide. She is also Co-chair of the ISEP (formerly IEMA) Biodiversity and Natural Capital Steering Group and is a member of the ISEP Policy and Practice Committee.

Clare Lane
Associate
BA DipArch RIBA
P+H Architects

Clare is an Associate and Residential Lead with extensive experience delivering both private and affordable housing schemes. She has led numerous projects from feasibility through to completion on site, bringing a strong combination of design expertise and practical delivery knowledge.

Clare is experienced in producing residential feasibility studies and masterplanning at a range of scales. She regularly facilitates user group workshops and community consultations, and has contributed to Design Review Panels. Passionate about affordable housing, she is committed to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that support thriving communities.

Mark Heron
Associate
BA (Hons) MArch PGDip RIBA

Mark is an Associate and Residential Lead with specialist expertise in extra care and older persons living. He has a strong focus on inclusive and accessible design, ensuring environments are tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of users.

A passionate advocate for accessibility, Mark has extensive experience in designing and delivering accommodation for individuals with specific care and mobility requirements, including wheelchair users. He takes a thoughtful, user-centred approach, prioritising comfort, independence, and long-term adaptability within the built environment.

Paul Bainbridge

 Technical director
The FES Group

Paul has been a SAP assessor for the past 16 years with experience undertaking calculations and advising clients since the Part L 2006 regulations. He has previously worked as a Code For Sustainable Homes assessor and currently his job role focuses on the future of sustainability with a strong focus on The Future Homes Standard, Whole Life Cycle embodied carbon and the upcoming Home Energy Model.