Government seeks views on reducing red tape for construction firms

The government has begun a review to find ways to reduce the regulation burden on construction firms.

It’s part of a move to meet the growing demand for new houses. Ministers say they want to hear the views of all those involved in building homes, including developers, planners and trade associations. The aim is to remove ineffective rules and the kind of heavy-handed enforcement that hinders new developments.

The key starting points for the review are:

• roads and infrastructure rules for new housing developments
• environmental requirements, particularly EU rules such as the Habitats Directive and wider EU environmental permit requirements
• rules that affect utilities (such as electricity, gas and water – as well as broadband infrastructure).

The government is also keen to look at the changes made to the Construction, Design and Management Regulations, as well as any examples of EU rules that are being implemented too strictly.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This review will give housebuilders and smaller construction businesses a powerful voice as part of our £10 billion deregulation drive. Where rules are too complicated, ineffective or poorly enforced, I want to hear about it and the government will take action. Together we can cut red tape and get Britain building.”

Please contact Santokh Singh if you would like advice about regulatory issues or the legal aspects of planning and development.