New guidance, released at the annual National Housing Federation (NHF) conference by Building for Life Chair Wayne Hemingway, explains how to implement Building for Life standards in new affordable housing developments.

Building for Life is the national benchmark for housing developments in England, developed by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). Assessment against these standards is a requirement for affordable homes built with investment from the Housing Corporation's £8.4 billion 2008-11 National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP).

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The new guide, 'Achieving Building for Life', explains the technical terminology, concepts, and processes in clear language to help development directors procure the quality they require. Published by HATC, it has been developed with input from CABE and affordable housing providers themselves, to ensure it meets their needs.

Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said: "Reaching high quality design standards is a central requirement of the Housing Corporation's investment programme and a core objective of the new Homes and Communities Agency. 'Achieving Building for Life' is an invaluable resource. It will help affordable housing developers take the lead in procuring well-designed developments now and in the future."

(CD/JM)