housing crisis – The Planning Minister Nick Boles has stipulated that there needs to be more development of open land to ease the housing shortage. To construct on a further 2-3% of English land would put an end to the housing problem for some time to come.
“Beautiful Housing”
Part of the problem has been that housing projects of the past (and present) have been aesthetically displeasing – in other words, downright ugly. To endear himself to those who are set on stopping any development, Boles has pledged that future housing will be “beautiful” and be designed to be sensitive to its local surroundings. Boles described current housing projects as “ugly rubbish” and that a significant improvement in design may be key in persuading people that building developments are not necessarily a bad thing. He argued that “The built environment can be more beautiful than nature and we shouldn’t obsess about the fact that the only landscapes that are beautiful are open – sometimes buildings are better.”
Gardens and Greenbelts
The greenbelt will not be targeted, as Boles has also pledged to protect greenbelt land from development. Indeed, greenbelt commitments will be made in exchange for permission to build on open land. He said “We’re going to protect the greenbelt” but emphasized if people wanted housing for the next generation they would need to “accept we need to build more on some open land.”
On Gardens, Boles said that they were a “basic moral right, like healthcare and education.” Gardens are crucial for educational development and many children benefit hugely from being able to run and play in open areas safely. If more houses aren’t built there won’t be any gardens for future generations. We can fully expect our children and our children’s children to become excessively digitalised to the extent where health, social skills and traditional values are compromised – something which would be further exacerbated by the lack of open land.
Certainly, Boles has brought up some interesting points and creating a set of aesthetically pleasing developments could be a feasible solution, but whether it’s realistic is another matter. Property insurance providers will however look forward to the new business opportunities!