A recent survey has found that the UK remains committed to new homes being built locally as the government strives to meet its construction target.
The latest findings published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in the ‘British Social Attitudes survey’ identify that UK residents remain supportive of new housing development across their local areas.
The data produced reveals that in 2014, a total of 56% of people agreed with increasing the amount of new-builds in their local communities and in 2017, this figure had only dropped by 1%. Over the last eight years, the approval rating has increased steadily from 46% back in 2010.
Increased support for more affordable housing
The number of people opposed to new housing schemes being built in their vicinity stood at just 5% in 2017 compared with 15% in 2010. This uplift suggests that people are increasingly aware of the chronic shortage and need for local affordable housing; keen to see more developments being built to provide homes for locals and young families.
The data also shows that last year some 21% of people were opposed to new homes being built in their local area, the same as in 2014, and less than the proportion of respondents who were opposed in 2013 at 31% and in 2010 at 46%.
The report confirms that in 2013, 2014 and 2017, the number of people supporting more homes being built in the local area was greater than the number against.
Local amenities, employment and education top of the list
Those respondents sitting on the fence, when asked what might persuade them to be more open to new building in their local environment, stated an increase in the number of affordable homes, wider employment opportunities, improved medical services and amenities, more schools, better transport provision, creation of parks and more green spaces.
Half of those surveyed felt that local councils should have the say in choosing where new housing schemes should be sited with 41% preferring local communities to have the right to decide.
Cash does not tempt residents
It seems that cash incentives do not influence or tempt local residents to support a new development being proposed nearby, with 65% saying it would not affect their decision. Only 23% of those asked felt that it would make them either “more or much more supportive”. A total of just 9% felt strongly that it would make them “more or much more opposed”.
Finally, when it comes to people’s preference for buying or renting, the survey found that over the last three decades, the majority (88%) still favour buying a home with only 11% opting to rent.
