I find it difficult to understand why Alan Thomas (Letters, 29 April, page 39) doesn鈥檛 think the BRE certification scheme could work for modern methods of construction, particularly as he quotes Peter Hewlett鈥檚 paper detailing the methodology of the British Board of Agr茅ment鈥檚 approval scheme.

With the government pushing for large-scale increases in housebuilding and extolling the virtues of MMC, it is understandable that the lender and insurers are concerned and unsure how to deal with properties that, by their very nature, are not wholly covered by current recognised standards and have a limited record of service in the UK.

It is for this very reason that it has turned to BRE to develop a standard. The standard, to be known as the LPS 2020, is not prescriptive, but lays down minimum performance requirements. As such it does not stifle innovation, but does allow lenders and insurers to make a valid judgment for specific dwellings.

Paul Sims, manager, Construction Certification

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