NLA’s Post

The UK government needs to embrace urban development and densification, or risk missing its 1.5 million homes mission. New research we've commissioned with Landsec and Berkeley Group Plc shows that urban communities are overwhelmingly 'YIMBY' (Yes in My Back Yard) when they are involved in the process of development, and its benefits are clearly understood. Developed by leading community engagement platform Commonplace, to give a true snapshot of those who live, rent and work in four major urban areas, our research finds that 73% of those polled believe underutilisation of brownfield sites is a wasted opportunity to deliver more affordable housing, public spaces and green places. We've set out five recommendations for government, recognising urban YIMBYs are a crucial cohort in unlocking the UK's ambitions for delivery and growth. https://lnkd.in/eCQ_zW3X #CommitAndCollaborate #UrbanDevelopment #Construction #Housing

Our research with Landsec, Berkeley Group Plc and Commonplace finds that urban communities in four distinct urban areas (Cambridge, Camden, Manchester, Newham) are overwhelmingly in favour of brownfield regeneration, and supportive of greater density when it unlocks local benefits and opportunities. Collaboration, equitable engagement and local partnerships are key – so that local expertise is leveraged to set a shared vision that delivers the growth, homes and jobs that we need, but also so that we fulfil the potential of each place in the way that best aligns with local priorities. Check out our report below for the findings and policy recommendations to speed up brownfield urban regeneration while ensuring it delivers what communities want and need.

One of the biggest challenges for the new government's housing ambitions is securing local support. Our latest research highlights a major opportunity: tapping into the growing public backing for development on brownfield land. Far from being anti-development, 79% of respondents in the four major urban areas in our commissioned study support regenerating brownfield sites. People want to see more homes, green spaces and community facilities in their areas. This strong public backing highlights the need to expand local engagement to unlock community support for development. Urban 'YIMBYs' could be a game-changer in driving forward much-needed housing delivery and we are calling on the government to accelerate brownfield urban regeneration and simplify planning policies. Explore the research we commissioned from leading community engagement platform Commonplace here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/daW-G6Fh #CommitAndCollaborate #UrbanDevelopment #Housing Landsec Berkeley Group Plc

Welcome to day twelve of our "ABCs of Affordable Housing" series! Today, L stands for Land Use Regulatory Agreements, a critical tool in shaping the landscape of affordable housing and sustainable community development. Land Use Regulatory Agreements are contracts between property owners and governmental entities that stipulate how a parcel of land can be used and developed. These agreements are essential for enforcing zoning laws, promoting affordable housing, and ensuring that development aligns with community goals. For example, such agreements might restrict the use of a property to affordable housing units only, ensuring long-term affordability by legally binding the property to maintain specified rent levels and occupancy criteria. This mechanism not only secures housing affordability but also stabilizes neighborhoods and fosters inclusive community growth. Moreover, these agreements often include provisions for amenities and infrastructure improvements that benefit the entire community, such as public parks, transit access, and environmental protections. By integrating these elements, Land Use Regulatory Agreements ensure that developments contribute positively to the community’s overall fabric and sustainability. They are a pivotal part of urban planning, allowing cities and towns to manage growth effectively and equitably. Let's recognize the importance of strategic land use in building vibrant, equitable communities. Like, share, and tag your friends to spread the word about how Land Use Regulatory Agreements help create the neighborhoods we cherish and strive for! #LandUseRegulation #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment #HousingPolicy #EquitableGrowth

NEW BLOG | Creating neighbourhoods, not just chasing targets, must be our planning ambition As the new NPPF is published, Joshua Nicholson (The Centre for Social Justice) makes the case for government policy to prioritise well-designed neighbourhoods with access to green space "The built environment is fundamentally associated with loneliness. For example, CSJ analysis has found a statistically significant relationship between loneliness and access to green space. Over half of adults who have access to green space never feel lonely. But for adults who have no access to green space, this relationship reverses. Over half say they feel lonely." https://lnkd.in/ea4r2vXv

Yesterday, the City Council approved an amended City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. MAS was pleased that the Council was able to secure a $5 billion commitment to ensure that new housing development is coupled with investments in affordable housing and resilient infrastructure for communities citywide. MAS also applauds the Council’s change to require a special permit for developments that receive a transfer of development rights (TDRs) from a landmark building. This ensures that expansions that increase building height by more than 25 percent using landmark TDRs will be subject to public review. Similarly, we support the change requiring campus infill development to be contextual with existing building heights and prohibiting the use of playgrounds and recreational open space for housing development unless they are replaced in kind. With the additional incentives for developers to build more affordable housing beyond those already committed to under the modified plan and investments to support City of All, COYHO may lay the foundation that helps the city meet the goals of balanced and equitable growth. Read our most recent statement on City of Yes here: https://lnkd.in/ecAjQTxA #newyorkcity #cityofyes #housing #cityplanning #nyc #policy

You may be interested in this new paper that explains an important process of affordable housing policy reform underway in Cape Town. An informal coalition has emerged to promote a more enabling approach to small-scale rental housing in the city. I hope it will encourage other cities and spheres of government to shift their attitude towards informal housing producers. The paper is part of a special issue of Environment and Urbanisation on urban reform coalitions. Its open access https://lnkd.in/dS_eXMgi  

Ivan Turok has written this paper outlining the interesting and impactful process of building a ‘small-scale rental coalition’ in Cape Town. This coalition is - with formal and informal engagement with the City of Cape Town- creating a platform for understanding, sharing and building a development environment that recognises and supports the critical role small-scale rental producers make to housing delivery in the City. There are many lessons for other cities in South Africa and beyond.

📖Research Reads Friday👓 This week's feature research read on The Deck: 'Transforming public housing in Australia: embracing sustainable refurbishment over demolition.' An Australian research paper, published in the journal Urban Research and Practice. 'Australia’s housing crisis has sparked debate over the future of aging public housing, with plans to demolish 44 Melbourne high-rise towers by 2051. While promising more units, this approach risks environmental, social, and economic drawbacks. This paper advocates innovative refurbishment, drawing on international examples like Paris’ Tour Bois-le-Prêtre and Rotterdam’s Splayed Apartment Blocks. It offers planners a cost-effective, incremental solution that supports sustainable, equitable growth.' To read this article in full and browse other research pieces relating to housing and homelessness issues, visit The Deck: https://bit.ly/40zvbaZ #homematters #bettertogether #thedeck #research #housing #socialhousing