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RIBA responds to Children’s Commissioner’s ‘Bleak Houses’ report

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Wednesday 21 August) responded to the ‘Bleak Houses’ report by the Children’s Commissioner.

21 August 2019

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Wednesday 21 August) responded to the ‘Bleak Houses’ report by the Children’s Commissioner.

RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said:

“The RIBA has repeatedly called on government to bring an end to the appalling current permitted development rules.

This report provides further evidence of the damaging effect that current regulations have on people – including families with children – who end up living in these poor-quality homes, often through no choice of their own.

Children cannot lead safe, happy or healthy lives inside cramped 13 square metre homes converted from office blocks. We cannot allow children to live in conditions like these.

The RIBA will continue to call on the government to reverse this harmful policy.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. For further press information contact Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7580 3811
  2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates. 

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