Communities secretary Sajid Javid has revealed plans for a government-led design conference to help address the quality of new homes in England.
In a speech this week, Javid said the conference and exhibition will take place in spring next year and will be a showcase for design ideas and improved quality from across the country and around the world.
Javid said: “Last week we invited bids for our new fund that will help local authorities plan for growth and improve design. But I want to go further.
“So, in the spring, we will be working with the sector and with local government to host a national housing design conference.
“I’m clear we need to build homes that people not only want to live in, but live next door to as well. So working with experts, this will be a fantastic opportunity to show how the quality of new homes is as important as the quantity.”
Commenting on the announcement, Russell Pedley, director at Assael Architecture, said: “Raising the design bar for all types of tenure needs political support. The government’s conference initiative next spring can see a shift towards more collaboration in improving the quality of design for housing, winning support from local communities and addressing the lack of public trust in the homebuilding sector.
“Great design and consistent quality throughout the project are key to win over the nimby opposition and accelerate the rate of housebuilding at such a crucial time. Housing design must always convince through quality – the spring conference is a step in the right direction.”
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