A CABE survey of the design quality of new housing developments has concluded that four out of five are “mediocre”. The audit, which judged a random sample of 100 schemes throughout south east, east and London on the basis of Building for Life urban design standards, found that around 17% of new schemes are of a high standard, while 22% are “poor.” Housebuilders were not the only camp facing criticism as a result of the study: planners and highways engineers were criticised for their rigid approach to planning applications and lack of design skills. CABE chief executive Richard Simmons said: “Many of the housebuilders in our audit have received awards for the quality of their best schemes. They have shown it is possible. The challenge is to be excellent all the time. What is now the best in new home design must become the norm. None of us should settle for mediocre.” HBF director of external affairs, John Slaughter commented: “There is a need for all parties to work together to create a climate that facilitates good design and enables us to bring the customer with us.” Copies of Housing Audit: Assessing the Design Quality of New Homes can be …