“As one of the HCA's flagship schemes, this is about testing the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes and looking at innovative ways to achieve true sustainability. This will be the first large-scale development in the country to be built to this high standard, demonstrating that while level six is a challenge, it is one we must achieve if we are to prevent the impact of climate change and dwindling natural resources." Robert Napier, chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency, commenting on Hanham Hall gaining planning permission. read more...

Roger Humber, strategic policy adviser to the House Builders Association, commenting on the European Parliament's proposals that from 2019 all buildings should generate energy onsite. He said the policy was “nonsense” and said he was lobbying the government over the issue. “The government has just begun to realise that the scale of renewable energy needed is greater than can be generated on site … For the EU to put a spoke in the wheel is hugely damaging.” read more...

"There is no evidence at all that quality is poor. Customer survey results suggest there are very high levels of satisfaction with homes people have bought. Space and affordability go together - house builders have to build what house buyers can afford to buy". John Stewart of the Home Builders Federation commenting on the refusal by Housing Associations to buy unsold privately built housing stock. on the grounds that the buildings do not meet their quality and space specifications. read more...

“This is another demonstration of the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to protecting our environment for future generations. I am determined to use the planning system to move towards zero carbon buildings" Welsh Environment, Sustainability & Housing Minister Jane Davidson talking about new measures to make all new buildings in Wales conform to CSH level 3 or above. read more...