Housing development and
sustainable new communities

Planners and consumers are increasingly focussed on good design. One of the drivers to this are recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework following recommendations from the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission. And we now have a new National Model Design Code. The emphasis is on making beautiful places, designed at a local level. 

Sustainability in buildings is set to improve significantly. Innovations through modern methods of construction continue, with the advent of more green energy and a phasing out of gas boilers. We're seeing an emphasis on walkable neighbourhoods in new developments, supported by sustainable transport options. Housing must be integrated with infrastructure designed for electric and, in due course, autonomous vehicles.

Access to green spaces is acknowledged as vital for physical and mental wellbeing. Creating these in new housing developments provides opportunities for environmental enhancements. Bio-diversity net gain is no longer an option. It's essential that development provides as well for nature and the environment as it does for people, protecting water supplies and mitigating flood risk. These spaces and places add social value to development. They also require careful stewardship for the long-term, which needs to be provided in a sustainable way. 

We're already seeing changes to ground rents and an end to the sale of leasehold houses. We've yet to see legislation that gives freeholders paying service charges getting rights like those enjoyed by leaseholders. When it comes, we can expect new regulations which will include requirements for consultation on charges and also give homeowners rights to challenge the reasonableness of charges.