Quality of new build housing to be examined

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment (APPG for EBE) will hold its fourth enquiry and examine the quality of new build housing in England and investigate the potential for improvement on every aspect of the finished home.

The subject is of particular relevance following the publication of the government’s recently published National Productivity Plan, which included the target to build more than one million homes in England by 2020.

The APPG for EBE Commission of Inquiry comprises members of both Houses of Parliament, senior members of the construction professions and key influencers and decision makers in other aspects of society.

In order to deliver on this pledge, the huge gap between supply and demand will need to be solved, with a completely new approach required from government, local authorities, homebuilders, housing associations, institutional investors and the financial community.

The concern exists, however, that in order to meet the huge demands for the output of new housing, given the skills shortage in the construction industry, will new homes suffer in terms of quality of construction.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment has established its 4th Commission of Inquiry to address this important matter and has called upon organisations, businesses and individuals to submit evidence on how the quality of new build housing might be improved.

Of particular importance are strategies that will improve the design quality and level of workmanship; ensure the effective control and implementation of regulations impacting on the construction of new homes; have the potential to smart housing and bring forward the opportunities afforded by offsite manufacturing, 3D printing, BIM and other new technologies, cut operational and maintenance costs for the homeowner and improve customer service.

The Commission is also looking for evidence that will demonstrate effective coordination for bringing together organisations that have a part to play in any aspect of improving the quality of new-build housing.

Written submissions are requested to be received no later than Friday, 30th October, 2015.

The Commission of Inquiry will examine written submissions and hold roundtable sessions, at which oral evidence will be given directly to the Commission. It is envisaged that these will provide an opportunity for a candid and open discussion, exploring alternative viewpoints and leading to a practical consensus.

The Commission will invite selected organisations to present oral evidence in support of their submissions as soon as possible after 30th October 2015.

Oliver Colvile MP, chair of the APPG for EBE said: “With the Government’s plan to build over one million new homes over the next five years, the quality of new-build housing is more important than ever. Having spoken to a number of my colleagues, I am very aware that this is an issue which is affecting families across England.

“I am looking forward to hearing evidence from a large range of businesses, organisations and individuals over the course of the inquiry”.

The findings of the Inquiry into the Quality of New Build Housing will be published in early 2016.

The post Quality of new build housing to be examined appeared first on UK Construction Online.