Home truths that have to be faced

BRITAIN faces a serious housing shortage. Not on the scale of the post-war crisis, but it is a real concern none the less.

Demand for housing reflects the fact that we are living longer and in smaller family units. More of us are choosing to live alone and can afford our own homes.

Houses in Britain are on average older than those elsewhere in Europe. Each year, thousands have to be replaced because they are in areas where people no longer want to live, or because they are beyond repair.

Yet in the last decade, 12% fewer homes were built than in the previous ten years.

The difficulty in satisfying demand for new homes lies in obtaining enough land with planning permission. This shortage of supply fuels house price inflation.

It also adds to concerns about affordability generally, but especially for first-time buyers or key workers like teachers and nurses.

Fortunately, the government now recognises the problem and wants to work with housebuilders to improve the supply of housing.

But the thought of more houses springing up worries many people who already own a home. It is often thought that a new development in any particular area will mean more crowded roads, schools, sports facilities and other amenities, or will simply spoil the view.

Those whose hearts sink at the prospect of new houses in their neighbourhood should look again at how the job is done these days.

We've come a long a way from the uniform developments of the past, where too often every house looked the same and little thought was given to the local community.

Today, any good housebuilder works to make sure that developments have as little detrimental impact as possible on the local environment, and that they also provide social and economic benefits to the wider local community.

These days, more 'brownfield' - previously used industrial land - is developed than greenfield sites.

This can regenerate redundant eyesores into clean and modern homes. We welcome involvement from the local community.

Local people know the area best. Constructive ideas raised in public meetings can improve the plans that go forward for planning approval.

Housebuilding is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about creating a sense of place. Historical and natural features are an asset to any neighbourhood, so we will safeguard them wherever possible.

We survey the trees, vegetation, historic structures, archaeological remains, watercourses and ponds to see how best they can be fitted into the new environment.

In West London, for example, plans were drawn up with the local community for new housing alongside the Grand Union Canal.

As a result, a dreary former company headquarters and industrial buildings will go. In their place will be a new community where everyone has access to the waterfront and its new shops and restaurants.

There will a boating marina, green space, a children's play area and improved public transport.

In total, 700 new homes will be provided by Bryant Homes in this Southall location for individuals, families and key workers.

Building communities is about listening to what local people want. After all, more often than not they are our customers.

The UK needs more homes. They have to be built where people want to live, and where they can work.

If this leaves you anxious, remember that much can be done, and is being done, to mitigate the environmental impact.

After all, we all inhabit a small island and there is only so much land. So we must make the best use of it.

I hope my desire for the development of new local communities will be shared not only by by existing homeowners but also supported by national and local politicians through speedy reform of our inadequate planning system.

Iain Napier is Chief Executive of Taylor Woodrow, which builds Bryant Homes