Housing in crisis

In the year when the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 is 60 years old, UK housing appears to be in a state of crisis. Several issues have been brought to a head that require a resolution. While this article presents more questions than answers, it serves as a reminder that the decisions we make today will significantly affect future suburban developments and their residents. There are questions surrounding the supply of homes: How many should be built and where? Decisions need to be made regarding the types of tomes that should be built and whether these meet the aspirations of those that live in them. Then there are important questions surrounding the affordability of houses, both now and in the future. Government policy to provide assisted housing for 'key workers' may need to be revised as in some cases the scheme is beyond the reach of those it was designed to help. There are also questions surrounding how new homes will be portrayed, perceived and whether they meet the needs of those that will live in them. These are important challenges and as such need to be given careful consideration and informed guidance.