Ben Adam-Smith

Do insurers like sustainable builds?! Nobody wants to get to the end of a project and then struggle to get their new home insured. So find out how the whole game works with Dr. James Glockling.

www.houseplanninghelp.com/395

#SelfBuild #Housing #NewHome

That is a classic. I love it!

And I agree 100% about adults, too! I like the old 'Tim Ferriss' check in points throughout the day. So you disable notifications and check in at structured points that you choose (example now at midday!). But I take your point about disabled, LGBT communities, etc.

UK social media ban for under-16s consultation begins Discussions over what measures to implement to protect children's wellbeing will last for three months.

I would definitely support this ban. Why not spend more time in the real world?! And well done to Australia for getting the ball rolling on this one and making us all think about the impacts of social media.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Absolutely fantastic. Well done. That's two pieces of good news today.

We should definitely enjoy a bit of good news!

Something for the weekend? Here's what's been happening on the podcast recently.

www.houseplanninghelp.com

#SelfBuild #EcoHomes #HealthyHome

I'm looking forward to catching up with Nick Grant and Jon Broome next week.

If you haven't heard, they've written a book together.

N.B. I'm pleased to report there have been no massive revelations in it so far! Just 'best practice' that they have been sharing over the years.

Michael, do you have any first hand experience of using this? I'm intrigued that there seems to be a bit more resistance to this than other natural fibres.

When I finally come to buy an electric car, on my brief will be 'not a Tesla'!

I take your point. I don't think I realised how much resistance there is to sheep's wool insulation.

A full house for the debate in Westminster Hall today on the Impact of the 2016 EU Membership Referendum on the UK, as a result of over 11,000 of you writing to your MP to urge them to attend. Stephen Gethins MP has started the debate with a strong opening speech.

No I haven't. Thanks. I'll keep an eye on that.

I would like to see the electoral system changed, too. I'm really worried that Reform will get in at the next election, because the rest of the votes will be sprinkled out between parties. If there were a proportional system I'd just vote for who I wanted.

Politics is in a real mess. Surely everyone should have the same amount of funds for their campaigns, etc?!

Oh, interesting. Is sheep's wool one you would avoid?

That is a really good question. I wish I'd thought of that. The only thing I can say is that these products have been around for 25 years. All the problems were in the early days. But I take your point.

Oh no. I did ask Mark about this. The borate fire retardant also acts as an insecticide... but once you've had a bad experience with wool you probably won't go back!

Do you reckon they didn't treat the carpet at all?

HPH397: Sheep's wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn - House Planning Help Mark Lynn from Eden Renewable Innovations explains how sheep's wool insulation is made, outlines the pros and cons, and suggests how it is best specified and installed. He also shares some common trai...

NEW PODCAST: How does sheep's wool insulation fit into the natural fibre mix? Mark Lynn from Thermafleece explains.

www.houseplanninghelp.com/397

#LoftInsulation #Housing #HealthyHomes

I think lots of people feel tied into platforms, particularly if leaving might mean they miss out. However, I've moved around a bit recently and I haven't looked back.

HPH397: Sheep's wool insulation and other natural fibre options – with Mark Lynn - House Planning Help Mark Lynn from Eden Renewable Innovations explains how sheep's wool insulation is made, outlines the pros and cons, and suggests how it is best specified and installed. He also shares some common trai...

And here's the link: www.houseplanninghelp.com/397

What is your opinion about sheep wool insulation?

I've got a podcast about it tomorrow - specifically Thermafleece.

‘Don’t go to the US – not with Trump in charge’: the UK tourist with a valid visa detained by ICE for six weeks Karen Newton was in America on the trip of a lifetime when she was shackled, transported and held for weeks on end. With tourism to the US under increasing strain, she says, ‘If it can happen to me, i...

My wife had always wanted to celebrate her 50th birthday in New York, but with Trump in power she cancelled the trip. I wonder how many other people are staying away from the USA?

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference and Expo 2026 Virtual tickets now available! Healthy Buildings Conference & Expo 2026 Thursday 26th February 2026 | 13:00-17:45followed by drinks and networking until 19:30 Introba, 150 Holborn, London EC1N …

In-person tickets are now sold out for our 2026 Healthy Buildings Conference - but virtual tickets are now available for the presentations in Sessions 1&2.

Join us online on 26th February - 13:30 to 16:45.

asbp.org.uk/healthybuild...

We get loads of fly-tipping around here, too. I'm sure putting more resources into catching these people would be a good start. But yes, I don't think raising taxes would be too popular at the moment!

We have just discovered why we are off the internet (and will be for about a week). Thieves have stolen about a 1km of copper cable. Unbelievable.

It does feel like the UK needs to get tougher on crime.

Democrats seek to reassure Europe about post-Trump America Opposition politicians flocked to a summit in Munich to offer an alternative to America First - and stake a claim as future party leaders.

'#Trump will be gone in three years': Top Democrats try to reassure Europe.

Personally I think he's not going to go quietly. It still amazes me that he got re-elected at all, particularly after he tried to manipulate the election result at the end of his last term.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Madness.

And that's high praise from the man who released such an excellent book last year.