The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has welcomed the Government’s recent commitments to increasing the numbers of new build houses, including today’s (5 January 2016) announcement on funding for Housing Zones across England. But the RIBA has warned that the whole exercise could prove futile if the Government fails to put quality at the heart of this investment. It went on to call on MPs from all political parties to vote for the amendment to the Housing and Planning Bill calling for the adoption of a minimum space standard into national building regulations. This will ensure new build homes are large enough for families and built to last.
RIBA President Jane Duncan said:
"Whilst this new focus on quantity is to be applauded, the Government can no longer ignore the poor quality of some of our new housing stock, especially as it ploughs public money into housebuilding. Our latest report, ‘HomeWise: Space Standards for Homes’ concluded that some new homes being built in England are still too small and that a minimum space standards for new dwellings must be adopted into building regulations.
"The report stage of the Housing and Planning Bill offers the Government the perfect opportunity to sign up to the quality agenda by voting for New Clause 50 this afternoon. These aren’t outlandish demands; they simply ensure that all new build homes are of an adequate size."
ENDS
- For further information contact Howard Crosskey howard.crosskey@riba.org +44 (0)20 7307 3761
- View the RIBA HomeWise policy report.
- For more information on the Housing and Planning Bill click here: services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/housingandplanning.html
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com
Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
