New homes in England lack essential community facilities

Families face challenges as new homes ignore basic community needs.

Homes in England built without essential community amenities

Thousands of homes being developed across England lack crucial community infrastructure, such as schools, shops, and playgrounds. Local councils and community activists are raising alarms about these issues, with some projects sitting incomplete for years. For instance, the Paddocks development in Essex has residents overlooking a fenced-off playground that remains unused three years after families moved in. Nearby, Westvale Park faced a halt in construction to ensure promised local amenities were finally built. Campo says these developments primarily focus on housing without considering public transport or local services, leading to isolated communities. Countryside Homes and Redrow, two major developers, defend their planning decisions, insisting they comply with local regulations and sell homes without having to build certain facilities. However, both local councils and residents argue that planning laws must adapt to ensure that as homes are built, so too are the necessary community resources.

This trend in housing development poses serious questions about the balance between profit and community responsibility. Local councils find themselves in a difficult position, often reacting after concerns arise rather than proactively securing essential amenities. With many developments springing forth in isolated areas, the lack of planning foresight compromises the long-term viability of these communities. The involvement of local authorities, as demonstrated by councils like Reigate and Banstead, highlights the urgent need for regulations that ensure infrastructure follows residential construction. It raises fundamental issues about how housing policy is set and how developers are held accountable for community needs.

Highlights

The push for homes must not come at the expense of community well-being.