Norway housing minister's review of building rules faces criticism

Norway's Minister of Housing, Bjørnar Skjæran, proposes to "have the requirements we need, but not a single extra one" as he reviews building regulations. However, critics argue that the definition of "need" is being dictated by developers, potentially compromising public health.

The minister weighs factors like daylight against balcony size and room layout. Critics emphasize that daylight is not merely a preference but a health prerequisite, akin to clean drinking water. They point to ongoing construction of housing that already violates current standards or pushes the boundaries of existing rules, such as combining kitchens and living rooms in separate spaces, which they deem rule-bending rather than good architecture.

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We have invited the minister on a tour of Oslo's darkest new housing environments, those that developers do not show off, without him having taken up the challenge.

Despite an invitation to visit some of Oslo's darkest new housing areas, the minister has not accepted. Critics believe such a visit would provide a more informed perspective than industry-arranged tours. While acknowledging the need to review regulations and promising public hearings, they contend the process is compromised when developers shape the initial direction. The core concern is that the review appears to start with a predetermined outcome, rather than an open assessment.

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We are not against the regulations being reviewed. We are against the review starting with the answer.