Water policy affecting housebuilding, nutrient neutrality and flood resilience were among the issues discussed during a constituency visit by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke to builders’ merchant Bradfords Building Supplies.
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Rural Affairs visited Bradfords’ Glastonbury branch to discuss water quality, pollution and the impact of water-related policy on construction and housebuilding across Somerset and the wider West Country.
The visit was arranged through the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) as part of its industry and Parliament programme, which aims to give MPs greater insight into the role of builders’ merchants in supporting construction activity and local communities.
Nutrient neutrality continues to affect rural housebuilding
During the visit, Bradfords chief executive David Young raised concerns over nitrate and phosphate pollution and sewage discharges in rivers, alongside the impact of nutrient neutrality requirements on housing delivery.
He said the company wanted to see renewed efforts to address nutrient neutrality, arguing that the issue had contributed to falling merchant sales in affected districts and delayed the delivery of rural housing.
Hot weather can further exacerbate water quality issues by increasing algae growth and concentrating nitrates and phosphates in watercourses where water levels are low and flows are slow.
Sarah Dyke said: “It was good to visit Bradfords and discuss the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact and respond to the transition towards a lower-carbon economy”.
She added: “I was particularly interested to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the building and construction sector, and the role businesses like Bradfords can play in supporting more sustainable approaches”.
Construction sector faces water efficiency and flood resilience pressures
The recent heatwaves and worsening drought conditions have also increased attention on water conservation and resilience.
During the visit, discussions covered potential changes to water efficiency standards for new homes, as well as measures such as water butts and rainwater harvesting systems that could help manage demand for mains water.
Flood resilience was also raised ahead of Flood Action Week in October, when the Environment Agency and BMF members are expected to promote the ‘Be Flood Ready’ campaign.
The campaign focuses on raising awareness of flood risk and the practical measures households, businesses and communities can take to protect properties.
Products including flood-resistant air bricks, air brick covers and non-return back-flow valves are among the measures being promoted for property-level flood resilience.
Builders’ merchants highlight pressure on construction demand
Young also used the visit to highlight wider pressures facing builders’ merchants, including weak housing market activity and the impact of regulation and taxation on businesses.
He said: “We were happy to welcome Sarah today and show her how Bradfords has evolved since we began in 1770 as a quarrying business. We are grateful to her for taking an interest in a local business like ours and offering insight and support to help merchants to keep trading, despite the tough times we all face in a flatlining housing market”.
Young added: “Running a successful business is far harder now than it was back when Bradfords started. The burden of regulation and taxation on employers today makes it more difficult and time-consuming to be a financially stable business, offering good jobs and investing in the communities that we serve”.
The MP also highlighted Bradfords’ role as a local employer and contributor to the economy across Somerset.
She said: “As a long-standing family business with more than 255 years of history, Bradfords is an important local employer and contributor to the economy in Glastonbury and Somerton, across Somerset and beyond”.
Dyke concluded: “My thanks to David, David and the team for taking the time to discuss the issues with me”.
