HBF’s executive chairman Stewart Baseley has written to housing minister Grant Shapps to urge him not to progress the government’s proposed Local Standards Framework. <br> <br> DCLG has proposed that the framework should be a defined menu of technically robust costed standards from which local authorities or neighbourhoods would choose if they wish to set additional standards in their local area. The framework would apply to issues such as space standards and lifetime homes. <br> <br> But HBF’s director of economic affairs John Stewart said: “HBF has assessed the proposals and we’re not convinced they will work; in fact they could increase the burden of regulation.” <br> <br> HBF has devised alternative proposals to reduce local regulation, split into three elements: <br> <br> Each local authority should be required to justify its demands on housebuilding <br> <br> A full regulatory impact assessment should be carried out for any local policy or standard <br> <br> Local plans should undergo a full viability test. John Stewart explained that all the demands of a local authority should be considered in the round and the impact they will have collectively. “If houses can’t be built, then demands must be reduced,” he said. <br> <br> …