Planning

We are interested in doing a small development but unclear regarding renewable energy requirements, can you shed some (low energy!) light?

We recently had Building Regulation drawings prepared for a small ground floor extension to our house. We have also received quotes from builders and we are ready to begin construction. A friend suggested that we should have some sort of written agreement or contract in place, is this necessary?

We are interested in designing and building a new replacement house on an existing plot. Is traditional masonry still the way to go or should we consider alternative construction methods?