Conservative housing plans need to focus on small builders, says FMB
3rd March 2015

Conservative Party plans to deliver 200,000 new homes for first-time buyers is a welcome ambition, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), but it needs to be delivered by a range of builders to ensure good quality design and diversity.

FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry said: “The FMB supports the ambition of the Starter Homes policy to improve options and affordability for first time buyers. This is a model which can be made to work, but it will be important to make sure it is delivered by a wide range of builders operating at different scales – and that most of the Starter Homes built are in addition to those which would otherwise be delivered.

“Taken together, announcements on housing set out by the Conservatives over the last few days amount to a welcome set of proposals. The continuation of more relaxed rules on home extensions until 2020 will support extra work for small builders and provide them with greater long term business certainty. What’s more, these proposals are good for home owners as they give them greater freedom to improve their properties with the consent of their neighbours. It should be recognised that by and large these arrangements have worked well.”

Berry concluded: “Moves to earmark brownfield sites for the delivery of custom built homes could significantly increase opportunities for small builders, leading to more homes and greater choice. We are pleased to see the Conservative Party taking important steps like these to support smaller builders. We hope that focus will continue and that these policies will draw the support they deserve.”