New Homes and Communities
In 2007, in response to demand for homes outstripping the supply of new homes, the Government set a target to deliver three million new homes by 2020.
The SDC is committed to helping government to develop policies that mean homes will be affordable to buy or rent, and to live in. That they embody good and sustainable design. That developers make better use of land, and ensure the new homes are part of sustainable communities.
In 2007 the SDC reviewed the government’s Sustainable Communities Plan to find out to what extent it is helping to create sustainable homes and communities on the ground. Through and extensive programme of site visits and public opinion research, stakeholder interviews, in depth areas studies and desk research, we assessed delivery against the government’s stated sustainable development and sustainable communities principles.
Overall we found that few communities built so far are living up to the promise of being environmentally sensitive, well-connected, thriving and inclusive.
Government Publications
• Housing Green Paper 2007
• Eco-towns Prospectus
• Building a greener future
• The Code for Sustainable Homes
• Thames Gateway Delivery Plan
Further Reading
• Building Houses or Creating Communities?
• http://www.wwf.org.uk/sustainablehomes/
• Callcutt Review of Housebuilding Delivery
• http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/EfficienCity
Animated demonstration of a low carbon virtual town ('EfficienCity')
