South East conference news round up, Day 1

04/03/09

Building standards
Communities and Local Government (CLG) has called on the sector to improve its housing design standards. It reports that only 18% of developments are classed as good or very good against the CABE audited Building for Life Standards. CLG wants this figure to improve to 30% by 2010-11.

Fundraising
CIH South East has raised £37,247 for charity CRI - a national provider of support treatment and rehabilitation programmes for people affected by substance misuse, crime and lack of opportunity.

Zero carbon
CLG has confirmed their commitment that all new homes should be zero carbon from 2016. They have also set interim milestones of a 25% reduction in 2010 and a 44% reduction in 2013.

New CIH South East Chair
Claire Martin has become the new chair of Chartered Institute of Housing South East. Claire is Head of Supporting People at Kent County Council and takes over from Graham Maunders.

Housing Revenue Account Review
CLG has said the complex and detailed Housing Revenue Account Review is ongoing and no date has been set for the publication of a report.

Planning disappointment
CLG has expressed frustration at the slow progress being made by local government in developing their Local Development Frameworks. This part of the planning process is viewed as crucial to ensure a speedy recovery in the housing market when the economy improves.

Housing market
London & Quadrant report a five-fold increase in footfall since the turn of the year suggesting the start of a welcome return of consumer interest in the housing market. They say lack of mortgage availability is the major barrier to a recovery in the housing market.