Housebuilders and developers build 'absolute rubbish', claims Tory

Shadow culture minister Ed Vaizey has launched a blistering attack on the design standards of housebuilders and developers, saying they build “absolute rubbish”

Vaizey also called for a “chief architect” to sit in government and advise on good design in public sector projects.

The shadow culture minister made his attack during a debate on happiness in architecture organised by the RIBA. He said: “The problem is so little thought goes into design. At the risk of offending a main source of Conservative party funding, I have a real problem with housebuilders and developers. I think they build absolute rubbish off a menu, and it amazes me that they get away with it. It is a symptom of major conglomerates building in small places.”

Vaizey, who has responsibilty for architecture, repeated his call for a “chief architect” to help oversee design at government level.

He said: “I don’t think we take design seriously enough. The opportunities are huge and manifold. I want a figure at the centre of government who can ensure good design is kept at the heart of decision-making.”

He praised designer Wayne Hemingway’s project with Taylor Wimpey as an example of good bulk housing design. “One of my heroes is Wayne Hemingway,” he said, “and what he has done with Taylor Wimpey is instructive to others in the sector.”