RIBA president Alan Jones has blasted the government for incongruities in its approach to the built environment after it announced a new design watchdog to be led by Create Streets founder Nicholas Boys Smith.

Jones welcomed ministers’ focus on design but demanded it be backed up with properly funded planning authorities and said the inherent inconsistencies must be addressed urgently.

“Just 22 days ago, the extension of the permitted development policy took effect, allowing the conversion of offices and shops into housing without adequate space or light, and opening the door to the next generation of slum housing,” he said.

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