A new Housing Standards Review Group has been launched to review and rationalise housebuilding standards.<br> <br> The group, led by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), will look at standards that duplicate each other and add to the regulatory burden for housebuilders.<br> <br> The group is to review the Code for Sustainable Homes, Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design and will comprise representatives of industry bodies such as the HBF, Building Control Alliance and the Planning Officers society.<br> <br> The Housing Standards Review Group will work alongside a new Independent Challenge Panel which will address how the system of Building Regulations and housing standards could work more effectively. The panel, which includes PRP Architects' Andy von Bradsky and planner Paul Watson,will act as a "critical friend" to the review group.<br> <br> These groups – which will report to ministers in the spring – form part of the government's drive to "cut red tape" and reduce regulatory burdens for developers. The housing standards review runs alongside the Taylor review of planning practice guidance. <br> <br> Communities minister Don Foster said that the variety of standards applied by different local authorities add uncertainty and cost to the housebuilder. "This is …