How cities could hold the key to dealing with Britain’s housing crisis
Cities are going to be key to solving the housing crisis in this country. The report from the think tank Centre for Cities out today shows there are gaps in density when compared to Europe.
It’s always worth exercising caution when comparing with other countries. What is suitable for major cities in France or Japan is not necessarily going to be suitable for Britain.
However, when potential green belt land is at risk, as the debate raging in Leeds is showing, it is worth examining the case for greater urban density.
Providing housing is only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger picture of infrastructure to support growth in housing needs to be carefully considered. Schools, hospitals and surgeries need to also be built.
More doctors, surgeons and general practitioners need to be trained.
Cities are changing. The way we live and work has undergone radical transformation over the past five years. And these changes provide an opportunity for policymakers and planners to connect the dots and provide much needed housing.
A little bit of imagination can go a long way towards helping the country get a grip of the housing crisis.
Doing nothing about the housing crisis is not an option. With an aging population, the country could end up heading towards a demographic iceberg. Young people need to be given the opportunity to set down roots.
But at the same time the Government needs to be careful as to not alienate communities further. The dismissive attitude to people who object to new developments, referring to them by the pejorative of Nimbys, will only seed further resentment. And the idea of overruling local democracy is only going to anger many communities.