Housing

Please use this forum to discuss issues relating to the definition of housing proposals including tenure/size mix, quality, density and affordable housing.

Message Summary

• Mixed and balanced communities?
  Posted by Tim Chapman - 18 Jan 08 04:14
• Re: Mixed and balanced communities?
  Posted by Tim Chapman - 21 Feb 08 09:02

Message Details

• Mixed and balanced communities?

  Posted by Tim Chapman - 18 Jan 08 16:14

  Often the proportion of affordable housing agreed to form part of a larger, mixed tenure development, appears to be a outcome of negotiations and viability assessment (not to mention the availability of Housing Corporation grant), rather than a holisitc assessment of what balance of different housing tenures makes a sustainable community. Looking at the characteristics of successful places, and the potential influence that housing tenure has upon that success, what examples can colleagues offer that cast light on this issue?

  
• • Re: Mixed and balanced communities?

    Posted by Tim Chapman - 21 Feb 08 09:02

    The Joseph Rowntree Foundationa and Charted Institute of Housing produced a report called: "More than Tenure Mix" 2006, which is relevant here.
    
    Using interviews with national house builders, case studies on seven estates and a social survey of private owners or tenants in five mixed tenure estates, the report examines:
    
    - What tenure mix is and how it links to social and income mix;
    - The attitudes of private developers to mixed tenure estates;
    - The experiences of households in non-social housing on mixed tenure estates;
    - How mixing tenure affects property prices;
    - What makes for successful and sustainable new housing estates.
    
    Ultimately the main thrust I draw from the report is that it is not the proportion of affordable housing per see that determines whether a place is 'successful' (as perceived by its residents). In many ways it was short term private rented accommodation ('buy-to-lets') which could have the greatest negative impact, leading to a transitory population not having the time or inclination to get engaged and feel ownership in the estate. The report found it is the quality of housing management which has the biggest single impact on the preceptions of an estates's success, with a clear recommendation to encourage a consistent management regime across the tenures.
    
    A free downloadable version of the report is available at:
    www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/details.asp?pubID=771
    
    I would be interested in any further views on this topic.