04/02/2025
RSUA met today with the Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons to discuss a range of issues affecting architecture in Northern Ireland. RSUA was represented by James Grieve, RSUA Vice President, and Ciarán Fox, RSUA Director.
Housing Supply Strategy
RSUA expressed support for the NI Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy, introduced in December. However, we raised concerns that the steps outlined to achieve these objectives lack detail and questioned what tangible changes will result from the new plan.
The Minister stated that there is a lot more information coming, but that it will be rolled out incrementally in detailed action plans. The first one is expected soon.
Addressing Dereliction
RSUA noted that not much action has been taken to discourage dereliction over the last decade. We began by proposing the establishment of a new government body to coordinate efforts in addressing dereliction and to track the progress of these initiatives.
We also discussed the potential solution of introducing City and Council Architects to Northern Ireland. The Minister expressed interest in this proposal, and we will prepare a paper outlining the role of these architects for his review.
Policy on Architecture and the Built Environment
RSUA requested a timeline for the introduction of DfC’s new policy on Architecture and the Built Environment, which will replace the current version from 2006.
The Minister stated that, after early engagement has concluded, a questionnaire will be distributed between now and June, followed by meetings of Sub-Working Groups from May to September. Policy development will take place from July to November, with a draft policy expected by January 2026.
Rethinking Secured by Design
RSUA expressed concern that Housing Associations, in order to secure DfC grant funding, must obtain Secured by Design approval for their building plans. This process essentially gives Secured by Design the power to veto social housing designs.
Police officers, who are not trained in architecture, review architects’ drawings and propose changes based on their understanding of Secured by Design principles.
The Minister agreed that this situation was inadequate and welcomes more information on the topic. Papers will be prepared by both RSUA and the Minister’s own officials.
Free Access to British Standards on Building Safety
RSUA stated its disappointment that, in November 2023, Libraries NI removed its free access to British Standards Online (BSOL). BSOL informs users on best practice and compliance guidelines across many industry classifications, including building safety.
In the short term, we requested that Libraries NI restore free access. In the longer term, we suggested that the Minister write to the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills to emphasise the importance of providing free BSOL access across the country.
The Minister was open to both suggestions and RSUA will follow up this issue with him.
Decarbonisation of Housing
RSUA emphasised the importance of adopting a targeted strategy to decarbonise housing. Such a strategy should avoid introducing blanket measures that may fail to account for factors like the variety of housing types and their associated risk factors. It must also ensure that efforts to improve the energy performance of buildings do not unintentionally cause damage.
RSUA sought specific information regarding private rented accommodation and the timescales for the implementation of any proposed strategy.
We will be put in touch with the relevant DfC officials to discuss these matters further.
Traditional Farm Buildings
RSUA restated its proposal for the establishment of a small grant scheme aimed at supporting the re-use and repair of traditional farm buildings in Northern Ireland.
RSUA agreed to provide the Minister with the proposal, which was recently forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Mutualisation of NIHE
RSUA sought an update on the potential mutualisation of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). Mutualisation involves shifting the business model from being partially government-owned to a structure where most shares are owned by stockholders or customers, and the organisation gains the ability to raise funds.
The Minister reported that no timetable had been set, but anticipates that progress could be made in the spring.
Waste Water Infrastructure Impact on Housing Supply
RSUA conveyed to the Minister the need for greater transparency in the decision-making process for upgrades to waste water infrastructure. This infrastructure has become the key that either blocks or unblocks development of housing in any particular geographic area.
RSUA encouraged the Minister’s officials to reach out to their counterparts at the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), with whom we have already raised this issue, to gain a better understanding of the process.
