The Government's announcement that new homes delivered through Permitted Development Rights will need to meet minimum space standards is a welcome boost to creating quality new homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The introduction of new space standards will stop the creation of homes unfit for human habitation. Everyone deserves the right to a decent home and I’m grateful that the Housing Secretary has listened to the calls from a range of organisations, including the FMB, and that a loophole for unscrupulous builders has now been closed. No one should be expected to live in a ‘rabbit hutch’ home.”
Berry concluded: “Permitted Development Rights should offer local builders the opportunity to help homeowners upgrade their homes and create more space, as well as to bring life back into our dying high streets. But quality must not be compromised. Ensuring that these opportunities are open to small, local builders will mean more jobs retained and created in our communities.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
