NHBC Response to Barker Review on Land Use Planning 05/12/06
NHBC today welcomed the Barker Review of Land Use Planning as a positive move in addressing the pressing issues on housing supply across the country.
NHBC today welcomed the Barker Review of Land Use Planning as a positive move in addressing the pressing issues on housing supply across the country.
NHBC's Chief Executive, Imtiaz Farookhi, said: "The Government needs to put planning reforms in place with a real sense of urgency. Streamlining the planning system will be a necessary move if the Government is to achieve the growth targets it has set for new housing, most especially in key areas such as the Thames Gateway and its Growth Point towns.
"It is vital to the economy of the country that the house-building industry has the capability to meet demand in order to continue providing homes where they are most needed and, in particular, to address the growing need for affordable and social housing.
"Urban regeneration projects using mixed-use developments continue to proliferate and it is high time that the planning regime evolved to accommodate the changing face of modern house-building and regeneration programmes.
"A centralised planning body could provide a platform to tackle the issue of carbon emissions, and sustainability in the broader context, at a strategic level and we welcome the opportunity this affords the industry to engage positively with Government on these core issues.
"NHBC is pleased that the Government has taken the impetus of the new Parliamentary session to produce the Barker report, and also the Stern and Eddington reports, all of which underline its commitment to the house-building sector as a linchpin of economic growth and driver in reducing carbon emissions."
ENDS
Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.
NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80 % of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.
NHBC helps raise standards by:
- registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
- setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
- inspecting at key stages of construction
- providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
- offering building control services in England and Wales
- providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering and energy rating services for new homes and housing-related sectors
