That is one of the main findings of The Density Debate by Professor Christine Whitehead, professor of housing economics in the Department of Economics at LSE.

In her research, Professor Whitehead found that while local authorities are required to increase housing densities to respond to growing demand and provide sustainable development, households are demanding more space, creating tension within the housing market.

Key findings include:

The UK comes bottom of the league compared to other EU countries with respect to the amount of space provided in new homes – and the gap is widening
In England in the past few years there has been a shift towards building small flats often with less internal and external space - this goes against market demands and longer term aspirations
In central London, there is a case for creating significantly higher population densities - however, increased demand for both private and open space may mean that overall housing densities actually fall
High rise, while acceptable to certain households, still has a negative image and requires very good management and services for people to be satisfied. It is unsuitable for the vast majority of social tenants, especially families
For higher density developments to be successful they must be associated with higher quality of services inside and outside the building in order to meet the aspirations not just of today but of the next decades
International comparisons suggest that England currently has some of the highest urban population densities, which is beneficial in terms of transport and local services
Nothing will work without better design and greater flexibility of internal space – as well as more space per person

Professor Christine Whitehead said: 'The case for increasing planning densities at the lower end of the density scale is strong. However, to be successful this policy must be combined with better designed homes which provide more space per household and greater flexibility – so that people actually want to live there now and in the future.'

Professor Whitehead presented her findings at a seminar in January which brought together experts including architects, planners, engineers and social scientists to discuss the current climate in the UK and propose what can be done to change it.

Click here to download the paper The Density Debate.

Press Cuttings

World Architecture News
UK has some of the smallest new homes in Europe
New research into housing density in the UK by Professor Christine Whitehead, professor of housing economics at LSE.
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/

5 February 2008

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