No place for local dwelling performance standards
There is no justification for special dwelling performance standards at the local authority level. John Stewart argues that ministerial acceptance of local standards for water, access, space and possibly security will increase the regulatory burden and damage housing output
Recovery under the spotlight
Housebuilding continues to lead the news agenda, but now it is the threat of an "overheated" housing market that sits under the spotlight.
Recovery under the spotlight
<p>Bank of England Mark Carney's comments have sparked a debate about Help to Buy. The government needs to hold its nerve, says Suzie Mayes </p>
New standards to improve roof security
The code of practice for slating and tiling, BS5534, is being revised this year. Paul Reed, Marley Eternit's sales and marketing director, believes the changes are an important step in reducing potential roof damage and claims
Filling the gap on housing numbers
Richard Jones, group head of regeneration and growth at EC Harris, looks at the perceived shortfall in new homes provision and the options for filling the gap
De-bunking the landbank myth
HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley looks at claims that the industry is hoarding land and highlights the mass of evidence against the landbanking claims
Planning reforms key to plan-led delivery
The plan-led system has restricted land and housing supply and significantly altered the shape of the industry, argues John Stewart. The new government in May 2015 must build on the coalition’s planning reforms if home building is to recover
Enjoy the calm - a political storm is brewing
The writer and anecdotalist Matthew Parris addressed this year’s Construction Products Association annual lunch and he did a fine job.
Election countdown begins at HBF conference
<p>Housing minister Kris Hopkins and shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds laid out their vision for housing at the recent HBF Policy Conference. It seems the election campaign is already underway, says Ben Roskrow</p>
No substitute for age and experience
Douglas Weston, outgoing ceo of the Lead Sheet Association, reflects on his time at the LSA and muses on how it continues to be possible for one of the industry's oldest products to meet the challenges of today
