When it comes to learning of the Housebuilder Challenges for 2021, there was one place to get a good overview. That was via the Live Events webinar held by The Home Builders Federation (HBF) on 11 March, where an update for the Spring season looked at the issues facing the house building industry for this year.
The green agenda
It was agreed by a few people taking part in the webinar, that the environment posed the biggest challenge for the housebuilding industry and would continue to do so for many years.
Neil Jefferson, Managing Director of the Home Builders Federation said that the government’s environmental targets would have an effect on the delivery of new homes in the future, alongside the work of housebuilders. “The government has the twin priorities of building more homes and meeting environmental targets.”
The challenges come across many levels when we think ‘green’, not just the issue of carbon emissions in new homes. There are several other areas to focus on too, including water, biodiversity, and the carbon footprint of other materials throughout the supply chain.
As Jefferson mentioned in the webinar, the crucial element of addressing the environmental challenges needs to be done so “affordably and safely”. And he goes on to make a key point. “But homes must also be attractive. We must take the customer with us.”
New Homes Quality Board
Also attending the HBF webinar was Natalie Elphicke, OBE MP, and independent chair of the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB). She outlined another potential challenge for the housebuilding industry in the upcoming New Homes Ombudsman, which we covered recently in another blog, you can read it here.
Elphicke gave more details with regards the newly launched NHQB and the roadmap to the ombudsman’s introduction, the arrangements for which will be highlighted later this year.
She explained that three elements will be taken on board when establishing the new code of practice, from what works, to improving best practice, and filling in any gaps. What will be covered is the 0-2 year period, including snagging following new home builds, a period which is currently not covered by any regulatory ombudsman. During the webinar, Elphicke encouraged delegates to share their opinions and views on the new code, so that the best outcome for all parties, developers and customers, can be achieved.
Planning reforms
The government’s intended planning reforms were discussed by Andrew Whitaker, HBF’s Planning Director. Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are currently under consultation until the end of the month, 27 March 2021. There could also be a suite of government-published documents launched, which look at a form of National Model Design Code to ensure the beauty, quality, and design of homes built in England.
Whitaker discussed that the industry could witness a “watering down” of the planning white paper since ministers backtracked on a housing algorithm, which would have dramatically increased housebuilding in the South and South-East only. Of course, the change of direction from the government will now see more focus on investment in the North and Midlands.
However, when looking at rolling out wide ranging reforms, Whitaker believes there is a very long way to go, and lots of discussions to be had before we see a new planning system in the country.
Other Housebuilder Challenges
The Executive Chairman of the HBF, Stewart Baseley, shared an overview of the other issues facing the industry for 2021. These include the safety of buildings. The government has asked the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to establish a new building safety regulator. The regulator will oversee the safe design, construction, and occupation of high-risk buildings so that residents are safe and feel safe. It will be an independent regulator, who will give expert advice to local regulators, landlords and building owners, the construction and building design industry, and to residents.
Another issue is the need to increase the number of homes being built. Of course, last year was a particularly difficult 12 months, which impacted on construction performance. But, Basely made sure to praise the notable efforts of the industry during the pandemic, commenting on the many obstacles which were overcome during the difficult period.
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