<b><b>The European housebuilders&amp;’ federation - the UEPC - has a key role to play in influencing Euro directives that could have a far-reaching influence on the UK industry. Ben Roskrow talks to UEPC honorary president Terry Roydon about ongoing campaigns on the continent</b></b><br><b>Why would housebuilders, who operate in the most domestic of domestic industries, care about Europe? Sure, they have now got the Euro, which is mildly interesting, but what else could they possibly be up to that could affect our market?</b><br><b><b>european influence</b></b><br> The answer is, rather a lot. Indeed European influence on the UK housebuilding market is having an ongoing effect on VAT on new homes, the pace of the planning system, clauses in contracts negotiated with your customers and the development of brownfield land. On the bright side, Euro laws could see older homes displaying energy ratings so highlighting the energy efficiency of newer properties.<p></p><p>Some of these proposals are already in force, some are on the horizon. But, as Banner Homes chairman and ex-Prowting boss Terry Roydon says, it can be a rather distant horizon. &amp;“Europe works slowly, sure,&amp;” he says. &amp;“But it&amp;’s like an oncoming steamroller - it starts as a speck on the horizon so you …