Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
UK Construction Directory
Search our 157,427 companies....

Construction News

17/08/2009

RIBA Calls For National Minimum Space Standards In All New-Build Housing

Construction News Image
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is calling for national minimum space standards in all new-build housing, whether it is privately or publicly funded.

This is further to recommendations by CABE in their new research publication 'Space in new homes: what residents think'.

Jointly commissioned by CABE and English Partnerships with the RIBA, the report draws attention to the significant implications of inadequate space in private homes, raising the question of whether many new homes are actually fit for purpose.

The RIBA will be working with CABE on a number of proposals, including:
  • Work to understand best practice in the internal and external layout of homes to make best use of space available and minimise the cost impact of building larger homes
  • Explore successful continental examples of minimum space standards to understand how in practice they might work in England and the impact they might have economically, socially and environmentally
  • Promote the provision of better information for consumers about the size of the homes they are buying
Ewan Willars, Head of Policy at the RIBA said: "This report by CABE is a very important first step into reviewing the condition of current private housing stock, and how people are using their space; it comes as little surprise that residents have reported that they have insufficient space for their basic daily activities and needs. It is important to ask whether the private market is meeting the demands of consumers. This research shows that the current system is not working for many, and that consumers are not getting the internal space they require.
-- Advertisement --
hss



"Compared with the average sizes of homes in Europe, the UK consistently fares badly; the average floor space of a new dwelling in England and Wales is 76msq, compared with an average 92msp in Japan or 115msp in Holland – both countries with just as much pressure on land. Bringing in national minimum space standards for all housing means creating homes for people that have space to sit down and eat together, and store away their ironing board. We want to champion well designed homes that are functional and adaptable spaces that meet the needs of families, children, older people and disabled residents. We want Local Authorities to lead the way in introducing minimum space standards, through their planning departments and ultimately for the Government to introduce national standards for all homes."

(CD/KMcA)

Latest Construction News

01/07/2025
Construction firm GRAHAM is making strong progress on the University of Manchester's flagship Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, working as part of the Viridis Consortium alongside partners Equitix and Derwent FM. Following the demolition of the iconic Owens Park Tower, the project has now entered i
01/07/2025
Kirklees Council has announced that the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) will be moving into a new, purpose-built home within Huddersfield's flagship library hub, part of the Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme. The move marks a major milestone in the preservation and accessibility of the b
01/07/2025
Dalkia UK has officially assumed responsibility for the facilities management services at eight nuclear power stations operated by EDF Nuclear Operations. The newly secured contract includes a wide range of essential services, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, building and grounds up
01/07/2025
Ofgem has provisionally approved a landmark £24 billion investment package to upgrade Britain's energy infrastructure, strengthen energy security, and accelerate the transition to clean power. The initial funding, announced on July 1, is part of a wider £80 billion programme that represents the mo
01/07/2025
Engineering specialist MARCH has been appointed to United Utilities' Monitoring and Control Systems Integration framework, further strengthening its role in supporting vital water infrastructure projects across the North West. The framework, which will initially run for five years with the potentia
01/07/2025
THE GUARDTECH GROUP are gearing up for a golden second half of year with THREE awards showpieces on the calendar. First up, the cleanroom construction experts are finalists for the Large Business of the Year gong at the prestigious Suffolk Business Awards. That event takes place on Thursday 10 Jul
01/07/2025
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has launched a refreshed brand identity and a new website as it celebrates 65 years of delivering specialist education and training in the construction industry. The rebrand follows an 18-month collaboration with branding agency Born Communication, aiming to better r
01/07/2025
Three major projects delivered by Farrans have been named among the UK and Ireland’s best in the shortlist for the 2025 British Construction and Infrastructure Awards. The Gull Wing Bridge in Suffolk, constructed by Farrans on behalf of Suffolk County Council, has been shortlisted in the Best Trans
01/07/2025
Persimmon Homes Wessex and Selwood Housing have formalised a new agreement to deliver additional affordable homes at the Backbridge Farm development in Malmesbury. The two organisations have exchanged contracts on six high-quality homes, which Persimmon will complete and hand over to Selwood Housin
01/07/2025
More than 200 pupils from 14 Manchester schools came together to celebrate their achievements in sustainability and environmental action, as part of the city’s Eco-Schools programme. Teachers and community leaders joined the pupils in Heaton Park to officially recognise the schools that have led t
Lakeside HireEfco UK LtdAqua Direct LtdStuart CanvasManor Scaffolding LtdUpton Wood Flooring LtdAmber Valley Stone LtdHIAB Crane Hire NIHIAB Crane Hire NIAica Bathrooms Ltd