Partner Article

Architect urges government to scrap “rabbit hutch’ homes” following Queen’s Speech

Vida Architecture is calling for reforms which will overturn the UK’s record for building the smallest (“rabbit hutch’) new build homes in Europe – with only one in four people preferring them over older houses.

While welcoming plans announced in the Queen’s Speech to get Britain building again’ Andrew Stoddart, MD of the Leeds based firm which identifies and maximises property investment opportunities for investors via architectural and interior design – also advises caution on Government plans - also announced in the speech - to make all new homes built to a zero carbon standard.

Says Andrew: “ I wholeheartedly welcome the encouragement to local authorities and developers to build new homes to meet increasing housing needs in the UK and I’m reassured that government is reforming planning laws, supporting smaller builders and endorsing the growth of new garden cities.

“However, after the severe recession which hit the construction sector particularly hard, now is not the time to restrict development by imposing over-zealous environmental requirements.

“While zero carbon is a worthy goal the focus should be on building the best quality housing in terms of space standards, low running and maintenance costs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by VIDA Architecture .