Paul Smith, managing director at Strategic Land Group, sheds light on the Duchy of Cornwall's ambitious proposal for a new 2,500-home Poundbury-style scheme in Faversham, Kent. In light of the government's emphasis on creating beautiful and enduring places, Smith argues that greater competition, rather than regulation, holds the key to improving housing design.
With beauty featuring prominently in the National Planning Policy Framework and the establishment of an Office for Place dedicated to crafting aesthetically pleasing environments, the government aims to garner support for new developments by emphasising quality design.
Drawing parallels with Poundbury's success as a model community developed under a comprehensive design code, the South East Faversham project seeks to replicate this approach. Extensive consultations and meticulous planning, including a detailed Housing Manual and masterplan by Ben Pentreath, underscore the commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Despite these efforts, local opposition persists, reflecting broader scepticism towards new developments even when designed with care. Smith highlights research showing that only a small fraction of the population is swayed by improved design in housing projects.
While regulation plays a role in setting quality standards, Smith contends that increasing land availability is the real catalyst for fostering competition among developers. By offering consumers a choice among various developments, market dynamics will incentivise higher design standards, akin to the competitive drive behind innovative consumer products like the iPhone.
In Smith's view, prioritising increased housing supply over stringent design regulations will ultimately lead to more aesthetically pleasing developments. Competition, he argues, is the true engine of progress in the housing sector.
#housing #architecture #designguides #buildingbeautiful THE STRATEGIC LAND GROUP LIMITED
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