The process of constructing a building is very complex with clients often requiring expert guidance for even the simplest projects. However, only 6% of new homes use an Architect, leading to a range of opinions, often wrong. There is not one government body to guide clients safely through the process of extending or building new homes.
Our current systems are very disconnected from one another without a single body overseeing the process to ensure compliance or legal obligations are achieved. Local authority planning processes are separate from building control with no connection to party wall awards nor build over agreements or CDM responsibilities. It is understandable how critical items get missed without even knowing they exist.
Could you imagine if there was one central body/online platform to guide clients and professionals through the process of constructing buildings? It would be free to use based on the RIBA 1-7 plan of works, starting with CDM requirements, utility searches, land registry checks onto submitting planning applications, applying for building control, agreeing party wall awards, build over agreements and submitting CDM documentation to name a few.
It would be accessible by clients, consultants and builders. As the project progresses, you move between stages ensuring all relevant approvals are in place before you move to the next. The level of information submitted will vary depending on the scale and type of project.
There would be a national body which manages the portal and the process which will be contactable via online meetings, phone or email. The body would regulate and check projects to ensure compliance is achieved and nothing falls between the cracks of a disjointed system.
One easy way to establish this platform would be to expand the existing planning portal to include all these other statutory body requirements. It would revolutionise how clients, architects and builders work to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities and statutory requirements without the need to add more policy nor reinvent the wheel. The client or architect would set-up the project on the portal and design team members would be added to access information as it is uploaded or approved.
It would be a useful process of removing duplicate policies within the planning system, standardising requirements for applicants and removing admin tasks from local authorities. AI tools could be used to check simple tasks lowering costs for local authorities.
This portal would ensure clients and consultants are aware of all the legal and safety requirements imposed on their projects. Rather than adding more pages of legislation which most likely is not being read by all parties and putting the responsibility on others, the government needs to take control of the process. Providing the portal will simplify and standardise the approach across the country to help build better homes quicker. It would ensure checks and balances are in place to prevent the horrible scenes of Grenfell happening again and improve the poor reputation the construction industry has within society.
Comments