More planning professionals, and local leaders want to see planning done differently. There is a growing realisation that tinkering with the existing system has failed. More radical change in the housing delivery process is needed if welcomed supply is to be delivered. . So this blog explores some of the visionary changes needed to do … Continue reading How planning can be done….a radical reversal

Is Poundbury popular? The King’s suburb in Dorchester has lovers and haters. IMO it is another example of how to give future occupiers what they want. Last week The Times Property newsletter asked this question. ‘Would you object to a Poundbury-style scheme being built in your backyard.’ My letter of reply, challenging its comparison with … Continue reading One more lesson

It is a question now attracting more media attention.It is also stretching the minds of Westminster’s MP’s. Which is wonderful, if past spatial errors are avoided the second time around.. The new focus is long overdue. The crucial reasons which are why the housing supply system has failed do not change. They were first visible … Continue reading How to build more homes?

Chris Worrall, of Build for Britain is a well regarded commentator of current planning issues. His views on planning problems are serious and need to be taken seriously. So Worrall’s recent blunt assertion that ‘planning is political’ carry weight, especially for retired practitioners like me, who disagree. Resolving the conflict matters. Politicians in Westminster now … Continue reading Can politics be taken out of planning?

The previous blog needs adjustment to take inflation into account during the 60 year period. Again with the assistance of ChatGPT the real changes after inflation for the three bedroom new small terraced house in Hurst Park West Molesey first sold to me in 1969 at an asking price of £6650 with a present day … Continue reading Take back control (2)

Is it time to face reality? After two generations of housing policy based on playing blind man’s bluff? ? Is it time for local communities to take back control of their building land? Bluntly, in order for local communities to:take spatial control is it time to nationalise development land? Whatever do such scary ideas mean? … Continue reading Take back control