The chief executive of Britain’s largest housebuilder has criticized local authorities for requiring the installation of fake chimneys on new homes, describing the mandate as an unnecessary financial burden. David Thomas, who is stepping down as the head of Barratt Redrow, objected to the demand that developers fit reinforced plastic chimneys priced at around £1,200 per property, noting that the homes do not feature fireplaces and that such additions represent a pointless expense.

Several councils have stipulated these aesthetic requirements to ensure new developments blend with the character of surrounding neighborhoods. However, Barratt Redrow has argued that such regulations contribute to rising costs amid already challenging market conditions, where weak demand and increasing expenses are constraining the sector. The company cited the combination of higher taxes and growing regulatory demands as factors limiting the viability of housebuilding projects.

Barratt Redrow delivered 17,667 homes in the year ending June 2026, marking an increase from 16,826 the previous year, and projects to complete between 17,500 and 17,900 units in the current year. Despite modest growth, the company’s leadership expressed skepticism over the Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament, stating that recent planning reforms alone will not suffice to meet this goal.

Caroline Silver, Barratt’s chairman, emphasized that while planning changes are a positive step toward boosting housing supply, additional measures are needed to stimulate demand—particularly among first-time buyers. She urged the Government to address barriers to homeownership and to alleviate regulatory and tax pressures that hamper development feasibility, arguing that these actions are essential to unlocking higher levels of housing construction.

The housebuilder also highlighted ongoing challenges associated with higher mortgage rates and affordability concerns, which it expects will continue to weigh on consumer confidence. Mortgage lenders have increased rates partly in response to geopolitical uncertainties stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. Barratt further anticipates a 4 percent rise in building costs over the coming year.

Despite these headwinds, the company reported a 48 percent increase in annual profits, reaching £363.5 million. Shares in Barratt Redrow, which had declined by more than 25 percent earlier in the year, rebounded with an 11.7 percent gain following the announcement of a £386 million share buyback program. Nevertheless, company executives remained cautious about future market conditions.