News Release : 20 July 2004

HIGHER DENSITY IS TAKING A LEAP - ASSEMBLY IS HELPING COUNCILS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF SCARCE LAND

Higher density developments in the South East are about to take a leap forward in quality. A practical guide, called ‘Councillor’s Toolbox’, for planning committee members of local authorities has been launched to help them to make better use of land in planning for higher density developments.

The South East England Regional Assembly produced this guide to help councillors overcome resident’s concerns and make the most of the opportunities that our towns offer. The Councillor's Toolbox has been published following research by URBED and MORI, and workshops with over 100 councillors.

The density issues
Councillors listed the following issues they face in developing higher density projects, which have all been addressed in the toolbox:

• Problems with parking and traffic;
• Concern about design quality and fit with local character;
• Provision of adequate local infrastructure;
• Resistance by existing residents;
• Desire to improve their skills and understanding.

Mike Gwilliam, Director of Planning and Transport at the South East England Regional Assembly said: “Some parts of the South East are still experiencing very low average levels of residential development per acre or hectare. Development below 30 homes per hectare is unsustainable in using land and will not support public transport or local services. The Councillor’s Toolbox is a practical way in which the Assembly can help achieve a more sustainable pattern in development.”

Caroline Lwin, Divisional Director of Kent County Council and Chair of Density Task Group at the South East England Regional Assembly, said: “I am delighted that so many people turned up to the launch of the Councillor’s Toolbox. We are grateful for the councillors’ feedback at the workshops and the work they have put in to make this a useful guide for higher density development. It is now up to them to use it in their plans.”

Richard Simmons, Chief Executive Designate of CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), commented: “Too often compact higher density development is misunderstood and associated with past failures. But well-designed development can be highly successful – generating supportive, neighbourly communities, quality architecture and a reduction in car use. It will be challenging for councillors to address the issues but the toolbox shows that it can be done and it works. Well-designed higher density developments, often with a mixture of uses, allow people to create attractive and desirable environments as seen in many historic cities, such as Winchester, Oxford, Brighton and the old town in Hastings.”

The Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan emphasised the need to deliver high design quality and use previously developed land as much as possible, encourage the use of public transport, walking and cycling and help bring our towns and cities back to life.

A MORI poll, July 2004, states that 53% of the South East residents want to significantly increase density and use a minimum of greenfield land for new homes.

Contact

Heather Bolton, Head of Communications - 01483 555221

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Notes to editors:

1. Please contact the Assembly for photos of the launch event of the Councillors Toolbox, which took place on Friday 16 July at Woking.
2. Density: Dwellings per hectare is the most commonly used measure of density for estimating land requirements, allocating land for housing and monitoring densities of development. This measure enables the audience to imagine the concentration of homes on a site.
3. Higher density development - defined in Planning Policy Guidance 3 – Housing (PPG3) as being over 30 dwellings per hectare - is an essential feature of a sustainable community, alongside good public transport, a mix of decent homes for all, good quality public services, a sense of place and a safe and healthy environment, among others. If we allow past trends to continue, we will lose substantial areas of countryside.
4. If we continue to build 45% of the new homes on greenfield land at an average density of 25 dwellings per hectare for greenfield development, they would cover an area bigger than Exmoor.
5. An electronic version of the toolbox is also available in the publications section of this website. Additional printed copies can be purchased from the Regional Assembly at £15.
6. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
7. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
8. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007