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Construction Standards: New Build Homes
25 March 2025
Lead MP
Michelle Welsh
Sherwood Forest
Lab
Responding Minister
Rushanara Ali
Tags
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Word Count: 10799
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Michelle Welsh raised concerns about construction standards: new build homes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must enforce stricter construction standards for new build homes to ensure quality and safety. Developers should not be allowed to cut corners or ignore guidelines.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Over 70% of people in Sherwood Forest own their own home, and many new build homes suffer from poor construction standards. Constituents like Kelly and Simon faced numerous issues with their Harron Homes property, including an incorrectly fitted boiler cylinder and improperly installed bath, while Sara's experience with Persimmon Homes resulted in over 117 faults and damages across her property.
Alison Bennett
Lab
Great Yarmouth
The hon. Member agrees with the need for confidence in new build housing quality to win over sceptical residents and supports the Government's move towards a statutory UK-wide ombudsman scheme. Confirms conducting surveys to identify problems with new build estates and management companies. Local councils often lack the powers and finances to enforce robust section 106 negotiations, despite having legal rights.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Stewart Milne Homes going into administration left several housing developments unfinished or improperly adopted, burdening homeowners with unexpected costs for maintenance. There is a need for clearer regulations and accountability in the house building sector. Contributed on planning and housing issues.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Asked if the Government should have implemented higher accessibility and adaptability standards, as previously consulted upon but not acted on.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Discussed the importance of building homes that are not only sufficient in number but also meet community needs and standards. He mentioned a private Member’s Bill on consumer protection for those who commission building work.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
She agreed that not only the house but also the surrounding estate should be of a high quality as guarantees and building certificates do not cover issues like drains or roads, which can cause difficulties for new homeowners.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He emphasised the need for rules and legislation to prevent developers from cutting corners, ensuring safe properties are supplied. The Government must enforce such standards with fines if necessary.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
The hon. Member agrees that new homes should come with high-speed broadband connections as standard, highlighting the importance of this in rural areas. Raises questions about the role of NHBC in addressing repair issues faced by homeowners.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
The MP discusses specific issues faced by residents due to poor quality workmanship and inadequate after-sales service from Persimmon Homes on two estates within his constituency, emphasising the need for better oversight and accountability. Contributed on water efficiency, drainage, waste disposal issues.
Lee Dillon
LD
Newbury
Highlighted that 27% of new homeowners report 16 or more defects, indicating systemic issues. Called for zero carbon standards and climate resilience in planning.
Russell
Lab
Congleton
Years of budget cuts have weakened local authorities' ability to negotiate with developers. There is also a question about directors’ duties when companies go insolvent, leaving residents without recourse. Discussed local plan issues, unable to comment due to Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
He shared similar experiences with Harron Homes in his constituency where constituents faced challenges and scenarios of snagging. He reiterated the call to Harron Homes to improve for the benefit of both constituencies. Discussed the challenges of Harron Homes and highlighted issues in Long Lee, where construction delays and disturbances caused significant nuisance to residents. Criticized Bradford council's lack of enforcement action on a derelict site. Discussed disability-related planning issues.
Sam Carling
Lab
North West Cambridgeshire
Inquired about the quality of new builds and questioned the part-privatisation of building control, citing an incident at Darwin Green site in Cambridge.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Welcomed efforts by Mansfield district council to build high-quality, affordable homes. Advocated for investment in the local workforce and praised Chancellor's announcement of £600 million funding. Raised points related to local plan and housing needs.
Government Response
Rushanara Ali
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Government Response
Acknowledged challenges faced by constituents due to poor housing conditions. Announced commitment to building 1.5 million homes while ensuring safety standards through continuous review and regulatory reforms under the Building Safety Act 2022. Commits to the plan-making system, promoting mixed-use sites in national planning policy framework. Acknowledged need for accessible new build housing policies and local authorities' responsibility to deliver necessary infrastructure.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.