The RIBA has today, 15 April 2015, responded to the launch of the Liberal Democrat Party’s 2015 General Election Manifesto. Discussing the issues of Housing, Planning, Schools Building, Flooding and Energy Efficiency – all key components of the RIBA’s #BuildaBetterBritain Campaign – the RIBA Executive Director of Communication & Outreach, Gill Webber, said:
On Housing:
‘It is vital that the target of building 300,000 new homes doesn’t just become a focus on numbers. Good quality houses and effective infrastructure are vital to support new developments – whether we’re talking about garden cities or small sites in rural communities.’
On Planning:
‘The desire to empower Local Authorities to collaboratively drive developments is welcomed, but the next Government should review the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure that it balances policies that support development with a need to build strong, sustainable communities.’
On Schools Building:
‘We face a growing shortage of school places, and 80% of our school buildings are in poor condition, failing the students and teachers trying to learn and teach in them. Well-designed buildings improve well-being and cut maintenance costs – vital to the long-term future of the UK’s education system. We hope that any future Government will maintain a focus on capital school funding.’
On Flooding:
‘We welcome the commitment to develop a fit for purpose approach which takes into account the importance of high construction and planning standards for water resilient building design – a key element of the RIBA’s Build a Better Britain campaign. The next Government should introduce legislation that identifies flooding resilience as a strategic priority for successive parliaments.’
On Energy Efficiency:
‘We welcome the party’s ambitious energy efficiency plans for the built environment. The RIBA believes that this will be best achieved through a national retrofit strategy for all building types that aligns existing retrofit policies and other related Government initiatives.’
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members www.architecture.com
2. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
3. For more information or interview requests, members of the press should contact: Gagandeep Bedi, Press Officer, RIBA: gagandeep.bedi@riba.org 020 7307 3814
Posted on Wednesday 15th April 2015
