We have to build the homes the country needs, at prices our customers can afford
The recent interview with Angela Brady, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, (Sense of space, Society, 5 October) made me wonder whether Riba has lost touch with the realities of housing delivery in a desperate attempt to chase headlines.
Brady labels "buildings passing for detached homes as 'Noddy boxes'". The article states: "It is a criticism she heard time and again during this year's party conference fringe meetings which outlined Riba's Case for Space campaign, a drive to persuade house-builders to raise their game as new homes become significantly smaller."
Representatives of the Home Builders Federation didn't hear this phrase used at the conferences, but we did hear how Riba's Future Homes Commission will "find out what consumers want and make recommendations to house builders"? it seems that Riba didn't ask customers these questions before they criticised the way new homes are currently built.
That contrasts with house builders who, in difficult economic circumstances, actually have to build and sell the homes the country needs. Our members are constantly talking to their customers and building the homes that they want at prices they can afford ? if they didn't they would soon go out of business.
Our latest survey showed that 84% of new home buyers are satisfied or very satisfied with their new home, with 86% saying they would recommend their builder to a friend. The people who matter, those who buy and live in the homes ? rather than those commenting on the industry ? are happy. And if house builders, who are in stiff competition with each other, could easily build bigger houses that customers would prefer, why don't they?
Land supply is the key. For decades the planning system has not delivered enough land for the number of homes our population needs.
As Brady says, there is a compelling argument for new homes: "We've got a huge housing crisis, a shortage of 250,000 units a year. And there should be more opportunity for better housing." If indeed she does recognise this, she would be well advised to focus Riba's efforts on supporting us as we push for a robust planning system that will deliver the land for that to happen.
Land supply, viability, the burden of regulation, local authority design and sustainability demands ? these are the issues that matter.
In private, Riba staff have constantly assured us that they want to work constructively with our industry. Unfortunately their continued insistence on using provocative statements about "Noddy boxes" is deeply discouraging.
Home builders, who all work with architects on the frontline, are struggling to cope with the economic malaise and credit drought, a battle over the new planning system and hefty environmental regulation. Riba must engage in the real issues ? then we'll be happy to work with the Future Homes Commission.
Source: http://feeds.guardian.co.uk/~r/theguardian/commentisfree/rss/~3/z5KZpbZ03JA/housing-localgovernment
Consumer spending Allen Stanford Consumer affairs Roy Hodgson Mergers and acquisitions Banking
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