Just weeks after the full implementation of the reforms that followed the 2012 Housing Standards Review kicked in on 1 October, the government has launched a consultation on how “red tape” and regulations around house building can be reduced further.
The new Cutting Red Tape review was first trailed in the government’s Productivity Plan in July, and launched on 2 December. There will now be an eight- week consultation period.
According to the Department for Communities and Local Government, the review “will uncover the issues that have the biggest effect on house builders and seek the views of smaller firms to understand the unique pressures they face.”
It is also seeking views from developers, local authority planners and trade associations.
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In a press release, business secretary Sajid Javid said: “This review will give house builders and smaller construction businesses a powerful voice as part of our £10bn deregulation drive. Where rules are too complicated, ineffective or poorly enforced, I want to hear about it and the government will take action. Together we can cut red tape and get Britain building.”
The DCLG identified four areas of concerns:
- roads and infrastructure rules for new housing developments;
- environmental requirements, particularly EU rules such as the Habitats Directive and wider EU environmental permit requirements;
- rules that affect utilities (such as electricity, gas and water – as well as broadband infrastructure);
- the changes made to the CDM Regulations, as well as any examples of EU rules that are being implemented too strictly.
