Steve Evans BSc (Hons) MBA C.Build.E FCABE
Senior Area Technical Manager
National House Building Council (NHBC)
Well, another festive season has come and gone, and as I am writing this I am thinking of the challenges that this coming year will bring. It is an amazingly big year for all building control and planning professionals as we move towards some momentous events that will shape the way that we interact amongst ourselves and with the wider construction industry.
First of all there is the small matter of the election in May. All the mainstream political parties have announced that housing and construction will be a major part of their manifestos. This is all good news for the industry as it is clear that with our economy on the up, construction has a major part to play in helping to drive the recovery and help achieve a secure economic base from which the economy can flourish.
Whichever party (or parties) are successful in May, it is clear that the industry is being looked at to increase supply of new housing and infrastructure. As always, we will respond to these calls. However, to do this does not come without presenting its own challenges. Getting the right people to do the jobs we need is already becoming increasingly challenging and it is great to see an increasing number of schemes around the country aimed at bringing new blood into the industry. I went to a meeting shortly before Christmas where a group of Approved Inspectors was offered the opportunity to take on apprentices. This is an encouraging development in an industry where historically most new trainees were taken on in the public sector. Hopefully the introduction of this scheme will enable the private sector to play its part in introducing new professionals into the industry, and who knows, maybe even a bit more pan-industry working on ensuring they are all-round professionals.
The second biggest challenge will be the implementation of the Housing Standards Review, which will see Local Planning Authorities making decisions on “optional” Building Regulations for new housing which will then be enforced by Building Control. The optional requirements will focus on access and water, with a new mandatory standard for security.
There is also a proposed space standard which will remain with planners to enforce if selected. As yet, we do not know the final details of what is to come, but we have been promised a written Ministerial Statement by the spring as well as the accompanying regulations and Approved Documents with the full system coming into force in the autumn of this year.
As well as the Housing Standards Review, CLG are also beginning exploratory work on changes required to Part B – Means of Escape and the Chief Fire Officers Association is researching the effectiveness of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order with a view to recommending any changes required to that. It is likely that we may see consultations on both of these later in the year.
Should keep us busy don’t you think? ■
