Friday, June 14, 2013
Welsh Government under fire over housing failure
The failure of the Welsh Labour Government to match the offer to housebuilders available in England has come under fire once more, this time from house builders themselves.
The Daily Post reports that some of North Wales’ biggest house builders have warned they will construct homes in England ahead of those in Wales due to the failure of Ministers to implement market stimulus schemes here:
Construction giant Watkin Jones issued the warning over the failure in Wales to mirror England’s Help to Buy and NewBuy schemes which are credited with reviving the new build market.
The Bangor firm, which employs 250 staff and uses hundreds of sub-contractors, also say the proposed introduction of enhanced planning regulations will drive up build costs and depress the market further.
Managing director Mark Watkin Jones said they were now focusing on opportunities in England which has “implications” for local jobs and the wider economy.
St Asaph based Macbryde Homes also said the lack of first time buyer initiatives would drive builders to look over the border.
Mr Watkin Jones said: "The continuing delays from the Welsh Government in announcing any similar assistance to home buyers is having a continued negative effect on the market in Wales.
"With the planned introduction of enhanced building regulations in Wales adding thousands of pounds to the cost of building each dwelling then this will depress the market even further driving development and economic growth out of Wales.
“It is unfortunate but we are now focusing on opportunities in England ahead of those in Wales, which has implications for our Welsh supply chain, local employment and the wider economy.
“It is difficult to comprehend why WAG are failing to recognise the importance of following the UK government's lead in getting much needed homes built."
Time for the Labour Government to sit up and take notice.
The Daily Post reports that some of North Wales’ biggest house builders have warned they will construct homes in England ahead of those in Wales due to the failure of Ministers to implement market stimulus schemes here:
Construction giant Watkin Jones issued the warning over the failure in Wales to mirror England’s Help to Buy and NewBuy schemes which are credited with reviving the new build market.
The Bangor firm, which employs 250 staff and uses hundreds of sub-contractors, also say the proposed introduction of enhanced planning regulations will drive up build costs and depress the market further.
Managing director Mark Watkin Jones said they were now focusing on opportunities in England which has “implications” for local jobs and the wider economy.
St Asaph based Macbryde Homes also said the lack of first time buyer initiatives would drive builders to look over the border.
Mr Watkin Jones said: "The continuing delays from the Welsh Government in announcing any similar assistance to home buyers is having a continued negative effect on the market in Wales.
"With the planned introduction of enhanced building regulations in Wales adding thousands of pounds to the cost of building each dwelling then this will depress the market even further driving development and economic growth out of Wales.
“It is unfortunate but we are now focusing on opportunities in England ahead of those in Wales, which has implications for our Welsh supply chain, local employment and the wider economy.
“It is difficult to comprehend why WAG are failing to recognise the importance of following the UK government's lead in getting much needed homes built."
Time for the Labour Government to sit up and take notice.
Comments:
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House building is likely to be even more depressed if Plaid get their way on a new, more draconian TAN 20.
# posted by 
: 6:28 AM
: 6:28 AM
"With the planned introduction of enhanced building regulations in Wales adding thousands of pounds to the cost of building each dwelling then this will depress the market even further driving development and economic growth out of Wales."
Actually no - this would increase the incentive to buy non-new dwellings - i.e., current housing stock.
Adding sprinkler systems is inherently a good idea. Once folks have lived in a house with sprinklers they will look to always live in a house with sprinklers.
I am very reluctant to live in a dwelling that lacks a sprinkler system. It brings such peace of mind and saves lives.
Also, dwellings with such systems will be more sought after than dwellings that lack them. cw
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Actually no - this would increase the incentive to buy non-new dwellings - i.e., current housing stock.
Adding sprinkler systems is inherently a good idea. Once folks have lived in a house with sprinklers they will look to always live in a house with sprinklers.
I am very reluctant to live in a dwelling that lacks a sprinkler system. It brings such peace of mind and saves lives.
Also, dwellings with such systems will be more sought after than dwellings that lack them. cw
# posted by : 12:16 AM
: 12:16 AM<< Home
