UK Homebuilder Criticizes 'Ridiculous' Fake Chimney Mandates

The outgoing chief executive of Barratt Redrow, one of Britain's largest homebuilders, has strongly criticized local council requirements for developers to install decorative, non-functional chimneys on new homes, describing the practice as a "ridiculous waste of money."

David Thomas stated that requiring developers to add £1,200 plastic chimneys to properties that do not feature fireplaces is an "expenditure" that is not justified. Several local authorities reportedly insist on such installations to ensure new housing developments blend with the existing architectural character of their areas.

These mandates contribute to increased construction costs at a time when the housebuilding sector is already grappling with rising business expenses and weakened demand for new homes. Barratt Redrow has consequently lowered its forecast for the number of houses it expects to build this year.

The company also indicated that proposed planning reforms by the Labour party are unlikely to be sufficient to meet the government's target of 1.5 million new homes during the current parliamentary term.

In the year ending June 2026, Barratt Redrow constructed 17,667 new homes, a slight increase from the 16,826 built in the preceding twelve months. However, citing persistent planning delays, the company now anticipates building between 17,500 and 17,900 homes in the current year, a reduction from its earlier projection of 17,700 to 18,200.

Barratt chairman Caroline Silver noted that while recent planning reforms are expected to eventually boost housing delivery, they are insufficient on their own. She emphasized the need for government action to support demand, particularly for first-time buyers. Silver argued that reducing barriers to homeownership and addressing the escalating regulatory and tax burdens are crucial for increasing housing output, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

The company anticipates that higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges will continue to impact consumer confidence in the housing market over the next year. The industry faces subdued demand, exacerbated by rising mortgage rates linked to global events. Barratt expects construction costs to increase by 4% in the coming year.

Barratt Redrow's report indicated that an initial positive start to 2026, influenced by the removal of Budget uncertainties and a focus on interest rate cuts, was sharply reversed by the onset of conflict in the Middle East in late February. These events, along with associated risks to energy costs, supply chains, and inflation, led to a significant revision of interest rate expectations, making homebuyers more cautious and intensifying affordability issues in the UK housing market.