Govt announces new measures for building industry

Housing minister Caroline Flint has announced a crackdown on illegal construction that she says will benefit the building industry as well as homeowners.

The Future of Building Control consultation advises tighter scrutiny on illegal builders, as well a three-year review building regulations to permit the sector to plan more effectively.

Brian Berry, director of external of affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, said that the plan will save its members time and money.

"We fully support the government's intention to move towards a more planned approach to building regulation by clearly signposting changes and making them at the same time once every three years," he commented.

Ms Flint said the shake-up could help make sustainable building more efficient, adding that people "have the right" to expect their homes will be renovated to standards set out in building regulations.

Recently, the government announced that homeowners would be able to install eco-friendly features such as solar panels without seeking planning permission.





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