Responding to the final regional findings of CABE's analysis of the design of new private housing in England, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation (HBF), Stewart Baseley says:
"The home building industry is committed to increasing design standards, and sees it as a central part of its drive to reach zero-carbon performance standards within a decade. CABE's Housing Audit, begun over four years ago, does not necessarily reflect the progress that has been made in recent years.
"Above all, these findings underline the critical importance of developing a concerted and co-ordinated approach to design between all stakeholders in the process, not least local authorities and the Highways Agency. Too often design has been dictated by compromises within the planning process rather than the singular pursuit of excellence. Planning Policy Statement 3, which the HBF has played an important role in influencing, puts design at the centre of future housing growth plans. We now need to use it as the basis for developing a positive and supportive climate for design among all the key parties.
"CABE's Housing Audit is based on the Building for Life (BfL) criteria, an initiative developed by CABE and the Home Builders Federation to promote design excellence and celebrate best practice in the home building industry. The HBF is also working in partnership with the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment to improve design quality across the industry. On 1 February 2007, developments built by 11 of the country's largest home builders received personal recognition from the Prince of Wales for incorporating principles of good design."
1. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector home builders and voice of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF's 300 member firms account for over 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies: www.hbf.co.uk
2. The Prince's Foundation and the Home Builder's Federation Join Forces to Improve Design Quality: http://www.princes-foundation.org/index.php?id=127
3. More information on Building for Life can be found at: http://www.buildingforlife.org
For media information, please contact:
Paul Boulter
0207 404 5344
07814 506378
paul.boulter@portlandpr.co.uk