New towns are old hat

Let’s face it: few of us want more development in our own back yards. Whether it be luxury executive homes or a hostel for ex-offenders, the truth is we all want our space and privacy.

Are we then asking too much of our locally elected representatives if we expect them to rise above personal, individual and collective friendships to make the right strategic decision in an open forum where those friends and electors are present? This process is done in the name of democracy and accountability, and it is difficult to argue with such fine concepts, but the reality is that planning decisions are rarely popular, and important issues may not be properly aired in the bear pit of an open meeting. I defy anyone in politics to consistently make unpopular decisions. The rights of existing residents will always be more strongly articulated and listened to than those of potential residents.

The government has pledged more money to help solve the housing crisis in London and the South-east. Brilliant. I for one welcome this news. However I am not convinced that concentrating housing growth into four “overspill” areas in the South-east will solve the region’s economic and housing problems. In Thames Gateway this will concentrate new development on brownfield land and help regenerate an area that is in dire need of such investment. The other three areas – Ashford, the M11 corridor and Milton Keynes – will mainly involve the use of greenfield sites.

Why concentrate development in these places and not distribute investment more evenly, so that new housing is provided in the places that people currently work and want to live? I believe the answers lie in transport links to London and planning. By concentrating resources, it is easier to ensure delivery. Although there will still be battles between residents and planners, the system can be strengthened and streamlined, meaning delays can be removed.

Although this will ensure delivery of the target figure of new homes, I would argue that the “new town” concept is outdated. Gone are the days of slum clearance. Local people now need to accept responsibility for providing local solutions. The South-east has always been the overspill region for London; people often move out of London to improve the quality of their lives. However, that quality will be severely undermined if local schools can’t recruit teachers and local councils can’t recruit anyone to remove the rubbish.

The South-east is a low-density region, so there is scope to increase densities in new development. Each town and village should be given responsibility for delivering a new homes target commensurate with its size.

The government needs to follow through on the planning green paper and strengthen the planning system to deliver new housing in this economically vibrant region – then people will be able to exercise choice over where they live.