HBF has responded to this consultation from CLG. Many of the proposals are good: while they are not as enthusiastic as we would hope about our proposal to simplify the Building Regulations, they do accept the principle. They are also keen to adopt a more structured approach to reviewing the regulations and to ensure that all information for amendments is available at least six months before the implementation date. There are various proposals to streamline the services offered by the public and private sector though we are not sure what is meant by a ‘seamless’ relationship between planning and building control – we have suggested that could be best achieved by a clear division of what is planning and what is technical (and therefore covered by building control legislation).
