Why is it so difficult to create really good places? : Recently built affordable housing in England

Housing development in England was subject to energetic policymaking 2000-2010. Policies encouraged reuse of brownfield land, higher densities, good quality design and mixed communities, and greater role for the planning system in the supply of affordable housing. Practice guidance for affordable housing emphasised careful site choice, layout and design, as well as the quality of individual homes, in order to avoid past problems in some social housing, provide good value, sustainable homes, and to create really good places. This paper draws on part of recent research on affordable housing delivery in England of the past thirty years. It uses case studies of 5 local authority areas and 18 sites to explore how far developments of affordable housing completed 2002/03-2007/08 in England can be described as ‘really good places’, and what might explain any limitations found. It draws conclusions and implications for policy.