Housing

The British public are far more supportive of new housing developments in their area than commonly thought, according to a new study published by the National Housing and Planning Advisory Unit (NHPAU).

The ‘Public Attitudes to Housing’ survey finds that more than three quarters of people would support more homes being built in their area, provided that local services such as GP surgeries and schools do not suffer.

Good quality housing design is also important to people with 73% saying they would support the building of more homes if well designed and in keeping with their local area.

Speaking to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) last week, housing minister Grant Shapps outlined his plans to introduce incentives for local communities to give the green light to new developments, while at the same time ensuring local services are able to meet the community's needs. 

The NHPAU survey also shows that while the vast majority of people aspire to own their own homes, their efforts are still being hampered by the economic downturn. While 82% see home ownership as preferable to renting and other forms of tenure, three quarters of 25-34 year olds who do not own a home and expect to rent for the next three years, want to buy but cannot afford to do so.

In his speech to RICS, Shapps heralded the return of “an Age of Aspiration” for new homeowners, and committed the coalition government's support for those struggling to get their first foothold on the housing ladder.