Just 10% of the UK population believes that the construction of new towns is the best way to tackle the UK housing crisis, according to a new report.
Published by Eurocell Plc, a manufacturer of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, the report highlights a lack of support for more new towns like Milton Keynes and Telford.
By contrast, 43% of those surveyed would prefer the conversion of old, unused buildings and the regeneration of run-down communities or brownfield sites.
Eurocell’s research is based on a poll of 1,000 who were equally split between homeowners, private renters and social housing occupants.
Only 4% said they would favour the construction of a greater number of high-rise buildings – a solution that is currently being implemented in high-density population areas such as Manchester and London.
Respondents also highlighted a number of challenges when it came to conversion and regeneration.
These included cost (37%), planning authorities lacking the power to reclaim old buildings (31%), listed building status preventing regeneration (27%) and planning authorities placing too much emphasis on new builds (23%).
‘We need to build in excess of 300,000 new homes per year for the next decade to clear the current shortfall. It is therefore vital that a wide variety of options is considered,’ said Chris Coxon, head of marketing at Eurocell.
‘This research clearly suggests that there is a preference amongst the UK public for regeneration and the use of brownfield sites, but demand for these spaces is almost certain to outstrip supply.
‘It is far more likely that a balanced mix of all approaches will be required. It’s therefore important that residents’ concerns over the potential impact of new towns are taken into serious consideration.’
