CIOB backs bid to integrate housing standards into Building Regulations

The CIOB is calling for the government to set out a clear timescale for integrating housing standards into the Building Regulations, as part of its response to the housing standards review.

Consultation closed this week for the review, which is aiming to streamline the house building process by rationalising the plethora of standards and regulations. The CIOB is backing one of the review’s key proposals, which would involve bringing in key performance standards into the Building Regulations rather than having them stipulated by individual local authorities, which means house builders have to meet differing demands across the country.

The review sets out a number of key and controversial proposals, which include:

• The possible introduction of a national minimum space standard for new build homes, which would accompany a new standardised national space labelling scheme, developed with the industry.
• Plans to “wind down” the Code for Sustainable Homes, which sets out environmental targets beyond Building Regulations for new homes.
• Plans to abolish so-called “Merton rule” planning policies, which have allowed local councils to adopt higher energy-efficiency standards.
• Plans to allow higher standards for water efficiency only in areas of verifiable water shortage.
• Plans to set out “nationally described” standards covering all these issues, which councils will be allowed to adopt, with the intention that these standards will become part of Building Regulations.

Commenting on the review, Michael Brown, CIOB deputy chief executive, said: “National standards are vital to rationalise the current levels of guidance, regulation and add-ons surrounding housing.”

And in responding to concern that the process may be delayed by the coalition government’s “one regulation in two out rule”, Brown added: “We completely agree with the view of the review’s Challenge Panel that the coalition government’s ‘one-in, two-out’ rule regarding regulation should not be a valid reason to delay action or result in inaction; this is simply too important an opportunity to miss.

 “Having a set of nationally described standards that will integrate with the Building Regulations takes the onus away from planners and puts technical issues like building performance back into the hands of building control professionals, such as many of our members, who can apply their qualifications and technical knowledge.”

Other points made in the CIOB response included:

• The CIOB welcomes a greater focus on a building’s fabric energy efficiency applied through building regulations rather than planning guidance.
• Some areas in the Code for Sustainable Homes would be lost if it was to be phased out, such as the responsible sourcing of materials. This and other aspects would need to be fully considered as a nationally described standard, and we believe that a specific materials working group should be established.
• Local authorities should avoid setting prescriptive targets, and instead remain outcome focused to allow developers to innovate and building control professionals to be best placed to apply their technical knowledge.
• Standards for daylight, sunlight and ventilation should be further investigated.
• The Institute is pleased to see the Review recognising the opportunities Building Information Modelling (BIM) can offer from a regulatory, verification and compliance perspective.