Specifier ready cycle storage solutions
There is a planning requirement for all new and refurb developments stating that a certain quantity of cycle storage should be provided for residents. This […]
Considered design helps improve recycling rates!
Recycling in the UK Global Recycling Day comes just over a week after the revelation that in the UK more waste is currently burned than […]
Bin screens, a cost-effective way of meeting FRA requirements!
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements With new details still coming to light in the going Grenfell Tower Inquiry, it’s safe to say that fire safety […]
Our 10-point guide to successful communal bin store facilities
Our 10-point guide to successful communal bin store facilities We all applaud our front-line housing services staff during the current pandemic, and rightly so, as […]
Continuing to support the UK social housing sector throughout 2021
Social housing funding problems continue in 2021 2020 was certainly full of challenges, with the Covid-19 pandemic hitting us all broadside at the same time […]
Reducing fire risk for councils and housing associations in 2021
As director at Streetspace, I’ve worked with the metroSTOR brand since its inception in 2011. metroSTOR’s range of external storage solutions are designed to reduce […]
Green roofs add pockets of biodiversity, securing additional BREEAM and Sustainable Housing Code value
Green roof systems are a great way to introduce valuable pockets of diversity into your projects, helping to secure additional BREEAM or Sustainable Housing Code […]
The worst enemy of social housing – a lack of investment
The scope is massive – ranging from a lack of housing to lagging recycling targets. Wherever you look, social housing is crying out for greater […]
World Town Planning Day, creating liveable communities!
World Town Planning Day (also known as World Urbanism Day) is a chance for planners and communities to celebrate how we shape our urban areas […]
COVID-19 Streetspace Ltd Update
In the light of UK Government announcements regarding new national restrictions in place from 5 November, we would like to reassure our customers that we […]
The costly problem of fly-tipping and side waste
Last year fly-tipping hit a 10-year high, a problem which has only been amplified during lockdown. Brighton Council have reported that fly-tipping has more than […]
Should we be decommissioning bin chutes?
Recent years have seen a rise in the decommissioning of old bin chutes, and in new developments architects frequently opt for external bin storage over […]
The coronavirus pandemic and the social housing problem
The Uk’s housing emergency has been made worse by the coronavirus pandemic, with the charity Shelter calling the lack of social homes “disastrous”. Overcrowding, lack […]
6 key points for ensuring your residents are safe from the risk of bin fires
The storage of refuse and recyclable materials represents an inherent fire risk due to its combustibility, the excessive heat and smoke that is given off […]
Best practice for mobility scooter storage
With an increasingly ageing population, the use of mobility scooters is on this rise in the UK and will only continue to grow. The housing […]
What is preventing children in the UK from cycling to school?
The health and environmental benefits of cycling compared to car travel for short journeys are widely acknowledged, yet less than 3% of children in the […]
Helping to make recycling a habit
“People won’t change their habits” – is a statement I hear daily and one that is not correct in my experience! People will change their […]
The Importance of Recycling in the 21st Century
Recycling is one of the buzzwords of the current era. If you were around even 30 years ago, the idea of having separate bins for […]
A Guide to Aperture Options for Bin Storage Units
When specifying your metroSTOR PBM or PBL Bin Storage Units, the variety of options available can seem quite extensive. One area where it is well […]
Guide to bin safety distances
Landlords have an obligation under the Fire Safety Act to keep tenants safe from fire. Nigel Deacon, Director of metroSTOR, said: “One of the risks […]
Developers able to avoid fire safety regulations
The government response to the Grenfell cladding crisis is flawed and risks creating a sub tier of housing. The scale of work required to meet […]
CFPA guidance to keep tenants safe
Wheeled bins of tenants should be 6m or more away from residential property according to the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe. Fire Risk Assessors working […]
A passion to protect the vulnerable
A mission to improve the safety and security of residents led to investment to help those with mobility issues. Cardiff City Council worked with metroSTOR […]
Bin stores makes dramatic impact
A waste and recycling site has made a dramatic difference to their lives of residents on a Manchester estate. Residents on the Smithfield estate say […]
Tenants praise improvements brought by bin stores
Tenants on two estates are benefitting from upgraded recycling facilities and a cleaner environment. More than 250 tenants of East Kent Housing on Canterbury’s Spring […]
Cost of fly-tipping skyrockets in UK
Fly-tipping is the scourge of Britain costing the country more than £57 million annually. Its impact seeps into communities with astonishing frequency and in some […]
Solutions to boost recycling levels in flats
Managing waste and recycling in flats is a major headache for social landlords. With purpose-built flats making up 37 per cent of London’s residential accommodation […]
Risks of mobility scooters should not be ignored
A wide range of issues can make parking and storage of mobility scooters a headache for the elderly and disabled. metroSTOR, the scooter storage experts, […]
Speedy design solutions for architects
Architects can draw upon a trio of design options when creating new developments or regeneration projects. metroSTOR’s out-of-the-box design tools are perfect for every […]
Dynamic Chan named social housing sector CEO of the year
The UK social housing sector’s Chief Executive of the Year has been named as Chan Kataria of emh group. The announcement was delivered by metroSTOR […]
Landlords must be switched on to electric vehicles
Developers need to future proof new builds to ensure they are ready to switch over to electric vehicles. A mix of climate change and governmental […]
Refurbishment is less traumatic for tenants than wholesale regeneration
Breathing new life into urban areas by renovating existing stock could be lower cost and strengthen communities compared to large scale estate regeneration, argues Simon […]
Housing chiefs to be honoured by metroSTOR
metroSTOR will celebrate excellence in the housing sector on 10 October when it presents a top award at a national event. The 24housing Awards showcase […]
Volunteer awards to showcase gift of time in housing sector
Individuals and teams of volunteers from Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley will have their hard work and dedication showcased at a new annual event supported […]
Mobility scooter storage reducing fire hazards at sheltered housing
The value of installing well-designed storage for mobility scooters has been highlighted by recent redevelopments at a sheltered housing block in Westminster. Residents in sheltered […]
Using bin data to protect vulnerable people from fire
Barnsley Council has recently announced that it will soon be sharing the addresses of around 4000 properties that receive assisted bin collections with the South […]
The need for the right council housing properties in the right areas
In a very interesting recent article in Inside Housing, Brian Cronin, the chief executive of Your Housing Group, writes about the failings of the current […]
metroSTOR is now live on NBS Plus and the NBS National BIM Library
As from August 2019 the metroSTOR product range is now available through NBS Plus and the NBS National BIM Library. This will make it even quicker […]
George Clarke’s mission to build 100,000 quality council homes per year
George Clarke is well known for his many TV shows about architecture and houses, such as George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, but his new show looks […]
Keeping up with the rise of e-bikes
The recent boom in sales of electric bikes – or e-bikes – means that it is no longer such a surprise when someone comes gliding […]
100 years and more of council housing
It was 100 years ago that the Housing Act of 1919 – also commonly known as the Addison Act – laid down the foundation for […]
Storage for Mobility Scooters FAQs
How do I charge my mobility scooter? First, find out if your scooter has gel or sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries – check with the company you […]
The fire risk of storing and charging mobility scooters in residential buildings
The UK is one of the fastest growing markets for mobility scooters in Europe. A government-backed study in 2014 put the number of users at […]
Wheelie bin fires and inhaling toxic fumes
Wheelie bin storage brings many benefits to residents and refuse collectors but alongside this there are sometimes also unintended negative social impacts. Unfortunately, wheelie bins […]
Should we be using more shared bin schemes?
The storage and collection of waste and recyclable material at some properties, such as terraced houses, poses particular difficulties for residents and local authorities alike. […]
Housing Associations To Get £2bn Investment Over Next 10 Years
Speaking at the National Housing Federation (NHF) summit in September 2018, Theresa May announced a £2bn investment in housing associations, to take effect over the next ten […]
SPD and Bin Storage – Best Practice Advice
SPD And Bin Storage – Best Practice Advice An SPD (Supplementary Planning Document) has recently been published by Redditch and Bromsgrove Council, setting out new […]
Monthly Refuse Collections – Are they a good idea?
Monthly refuse collections have been introduced by two Welsh councils, meaning residents in Denbighshire and Conwy will now have to store general rubbish for four […]
Fire Safety – New Mobility Scooter Storage Guidance from NFCC
The National Fire Chiefs Council has just published a new set of guidelines for mobility scooter owners and property developers about correct mobility scooter storage […]