The Design Companion for Planning and Placemaking

9Housing

Homes occupy more land than anything else in built-up areas, and are a massively important part of our lives and environments. Ensuring that they are well designed will help to provide the homes needed, bring communities and neighbours together, support health and wellbeing, and reduce levels of crime and antisocial behaviour.

Better-designed homes potentially profit both developers and owners. Inventive and creative layouts can fit more on sites without jeopardising quality or character, while practical and durable materials, internal configurations and detailing can reduce maintenance and management costs.

Housing should be durable, fit for purpose and beautiful. Planners should ask:

• Will it last well?
• Will it work for residents? ...