New Build Homes Standards: North Yorkshire

Opened the debate

Mr Jones thanked the Deputy Speaker for allowing him to raise issues related to new housing developments in his constituency. He highlighted problems with both individual properties and estate-wide issues, such as drainage, road surfacing, street lighting, signage, and play areas. Mr Jones detailed over 200 cases involving poor build quality and delays in finishing estates by house builders like Taylor Wimpey, Avant Homes, and Harron Homes. He emphasised the need for better communication with residents, quicker resolution of issues, and more proactive measures from developers to prevent problems. Mr Jones asked the Government how quality is monitored and what role the new homes ombudsman could play in improving standards.

Government Response

Mr Young thanked Andrew Jones for securing the debate and acknowledged that many new builds are of poor quality, leaving residents to deal with extensive snagging issues. He stated that reforms in building control, warranty strengthening, and a new homes ombudsman will help address these concerns. Mr Young confirmed plans for a statutory single code of conduct through the Building Safety Act 2022 to ensure developers follow standards. He also highlighted initiatives to boost skills training and apprenticeships for small businesses in the construction sector. On future homes and building standards, he mentioned upcoming carbon dioxide emissions reductions by up to 75% from next year's future homes standard. Mr Young addressed local authority roles in securing commitments from developers through section 106 planning obligations and stressed the importance of private developers taking responsibility for raising standards.