[rjmunro]

Here in the UK, we have building regulations and planning permission. Building regulations cover making sure the building won't fall down and hurt someone, including regulations about fire safety etc.

Planning permission is where old people who want to keep house prices inflated as they already own property can go to council meetings and object to anything new. Young people can't take part because they have to go to work and stuff, and don't have time to go to council meetings.