NHBC and Dr Phyllis Starkey MP target housing affordability

NHBC, the independent authority and leading expert on UK new home construction joined forces with Milton Keynes MP and Chair of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee for a site visit on Friday (June 1, 2007) to support the key Government target of increasing the supply of affordable and sustainable homes.

The visit to the Wimpey site, designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership, at Oxley Park in Milton Keynes looked at how these targets are being met in practice. The visit focused on how Wimpey was able to deliver homes at a low build cost which match consumer expectations and meet the need for greater emphasis on sustainability.

Oxley Park was one of ten winning sites in the Deputy Prime Minister's Design For Manufacture competition which set a target of producing homes for a build cost of £60,000. Driving down the build cost of new homes is fundamental in delivering the Government's aim of increasing the supply of affordable housing. Held up as an exemplar under the competition the site shows how innovative thinking and design can create homes and a living environment homeowners aspire to.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC's Chief Executive, said: "NHBC is delighted that Dr Phyllis Starkey MP joined us to visit Oxley Park, a site which demonstrates how much industry can achieve in addressing the challenges of urban design and sustainability.

"It is right that these aims should be married to the issue of affordability and Oxley Park shows how well-planned and designed sites can deliver the homes that house purchasers want and deserve.

"The policy objectives set by Government present clear challenges for the future and NHBC, policy makers and the industry are committed to working together to meet these challenges and deliver solutions."

Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, said: "Access to affordable housing is a key issue for young people in particular. Building costs have been rising faster than inflation in the house-building industry and these houses demonstrate it is possible to reduce building costs at the same time as providing high quality, environmentally efficient, housing. We need to use this experience to meet housing need at affordable prices and with the minimum effect on the environment."