New home space standards will prevent ‘rabbit hutch’ homes, says FMB

The Government’s announcement that new homes delivered through Permitted Development Rights will need to meet minimum space standards is a welcome boost to creating quality new homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The introduction of new space standards will stop the creation of homes unfit for human habitation. Everyone deserves the right to a decent home and I’m grateful that the Housing Secretary has listened to the calls from a range of organisations, including the FMB, and that a loophole for unscrupulous builders has now been closed. No one should be expected to live in a ‘rabbit hutch’ home.”

Berry concluded: “Permitted Development Rights should offer local builders the opportunity to help homeowners upgrade their homes and create more space, as well as to bring life back into our dying high streets. But quality must not be compromised. Ensuring that these opportunities are open to small, local builders will mean more jobs retained and created in our communities.”