The research project Tensions and Prospects examines the challenges and tensions associated with new housing growth in South Central England. It is concerned with the complex relationships between local communities, government agencies and the house building industry, at a time of market and public policy uncertainty. Using the Milton Keynes/Northamptonshire area as a laboratory, the project investigates the tensions and debates about new housing developments in three periods: before the slow down in the housing market, during the property crash period, and during the current period of slow growth, public expenditure reductions, and radical changes in Government planning and housing policy.
Using reports and documents (such as local newspapers and planning reports) and interviews with local authorities, developers and community leaders, the research aims to find out how attitudes to new housing among local policy makers have changed, why some areas find it acceptable and some do not. The research examines changes in support for sustainable development. Sustainability was a much publicised objective of the previous government, with the promise to create "sustainable communities" through better urban design (including low carbon buildings), community based planning and improved public transport.
The research will ask local authorities, community leaders and development organisations whether local communities and local authorities care less now about sustainable development. And if so, what the implications are for our communities in the future. And it will ask whether housing developers will be less willing to deliver sustainable communities because the housing market is weaker and there at less surplus to spend on community facilities and low carbon design. It will consider the implications of the move towards localism, including preliminary assessment of the impact of innovations such as the New Homes Bonus Initiative and Community Right to Buy and Community Right to Build
Although the study looks in detail at Milton Keynes/Northamptonshire in South Central England, its findings will be of wider relevance because it will provide insights for national policy makers into the local implications of national economic, housing and planning policy changes.
The members of the research team are Prof Allan Cochrane, Professor of Urban Studies at The Open University, Dr Bob Colenutt and Dr Martin Field, both of The University of Northampton. Learn more about the research team.