HEAVYSIDE
TILEAND ERROR
The upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill promises a lot. BMJ finds out about what it could mean for the sector.
W
ith the introduction of The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, promising the largest construction boom in a
generation, the demand for building materials is set to rise.
This flagship legislation is intended to introduce new measures to “speed up planning decisions to boost housebuilding and remove unnecessary blockers and challenges to the delivery of vital developments like roads, railway lines, and windfarms”. The new bill aims to accelerate planning decisions, with the government hoping that faster planning process will boost housebuilding and help the UK meet its ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes by 2029.
“This increase in activity promises to put more pressure on distributors and merchants to provide high-quality materials but also implements a need for stronger supply chain relationships, in light of the recent tightening of legislation,” says Mark Parsons, technical director at Russell Roof Tiles.
Reliable products
In the aftermath of Grenfell Tower, building regulations have come under heightened scrutiny and concerns around the quality of products have intensified. The disaster triggered regulatory reform, leading to tougher safety standards and increased accountability, especially in the specification of construction materials.
“It also prompted the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the Building Safety Act, to oversee construction practices,” explains Parsons.
“With a boost in construction output promised, there will be substantially more pressure on merchants to advise customers
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Above: Mark Parsons, technical director at Russell Roof Tiles
on, and provide them with, reliable products that meet all current Building Standards to ensure consistent build quality and occupant safety. When it comes to the roof, Russell Roof Tiles are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 490 ‘Concrete Roof Tiles and Fittings-Product specifications’ and BS EN 491 ‘Concrete Roof Tiles and Fitting- Test Methods’.
“Russell Dry fixed systems which complement the tiling are in full compliance with BS 8612 Dry fixed ridge, hip, and verge systems for slating and tiling. This Specification covers reliable technical performance including fixing security, weather-tightness and long- term durability.”
New regulations also emphasise the importance of an integrated approach. With roofing it is important to ensure that the focus is on the “whole roof” in terms of specification of materials and installation. The frequent “mix and match” approach to using
various products from different manufacturers, in terms of specification for tiles, accessories, and fittings can also frequently cause long- term problems. Products are designed by manufacturers to perform and work seamlessly together.
Sustainable demand
Updates to Building Standards, combined with the government’s Net Zero 2050 target, are driving contractors and builders to rely more on merchants for sustainable and energy- saving products.
“For example, a merchant might recommend concrete roof tiles or accessories over other types of roof tiles if their customer is looking for a sustainable roof solution,” comments Parsons. “Concrete roof tiles are extremely strong and durable and considerably less energy is used during the tile manufacturing process when compared with counterparts because of the extensive power required to manufacture them. Concrete roof tiles are cured at a much lower temperature and for a shorter period of time achieving
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2025
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