Ms Claire McManus:

It would be the equivalent of the private amenity. There would be the same space as the shared space – whatever that might be – multiplied by the number of apartments. The build-to-rent standard is the same minimum standard as the standard standard, but if it is build to sell, 50% of the dwellings must be 10% in excess of the minimum standard. For each typology, the minimum standard is greater than the equivalent single-storey house. As you go to three storeys, you are allowing space for stairs.

Everyone in this room is a housing expert and we all live in houses. If they have not done it already, I would encourage people to take out a measuring tape and go around. The living space in a one-bedroom house – kitchen, dining room, living room and other living spaces – has a minimum size. People should measure each of the spaces. Some people will be surprised that they are bigger than the homes they are living in at present. People should form their own view on the matter. For example, a double bedroom is ample space for a double bed with space around it, a wardrobe and a desk. The standards are good and we should be proud of them, but get out the tape and test them. Politicians and the public should form their own views and get comfortable with the minimum standards, or not.