The report, commissioned by three leading UK developers, highlights positive attitudes towards urban development as British Land, Landsec and Berkeley Group encourage the government to embrace urban development and densification or risk missing its 1.5 million homes mission.
The results of the research were clear: far from being anti-development, urban communities are overwhelmingly made up of ‘YIMBYs’ (‘yes in my back yard’). 60% of those polled in Cambridge, Camden, Manchester and Newham had strongly negative views of currently underdeveloped brownfield sites, viewing them as ugly, dirty and unsafe. 73% saw the underutilisation of these sites as a wasted opportunity that needs to be harnessed - for example, to deliver more affordable housing, public spaces and green places.
Almost 80% believe that brownfield regeneration would positively impact their local areas, with 75% of respondents wanting brownfield regeneration prioritised over other types of development. The research also shows that urban communities are open to supporting taller or denser development, providing it unlocks greater benefits for the community.
It is clear that broadening local engagement is key to unlocking community support when it comes to planning, making urban YIMBYs a crucial cohort in turbocharging delivery.
To achieve this, British Land, Landsec and Berkeley Group have called on the Government to do a number of things, including prioritising brownfield development, improving public perception of local areas; simplifing policy to allow for flexibility in urban design; ensuring locals feel the benefits of regeneration; and encouraging greater public participation in the planning and development process with open dialogue between councils, communities and developers.
The firms say they recognise that private sector developers has a respnsibility to local communities, committing to reviewing their own urban brownfield regeneration projects to ensure they deliver the benefits urban communities want to see, engaging proactively before constgruction starts, and exploring new ideas which ensuring inclusivity and representation of local communities.
Simon Carter, Chief Executive Officer at British Land, said: “This new research – which focused on surveying a true snapshot of those who live, rent and work in urban areas - demonstrates that urban communities are overwhelmingly YIMBY when they are involved in the process and the benefits of development are clearly understood. Contrary to public perception, it is clear that this group want to see brownfield urban regeneration that delivers for the local community, creating a unique opportunity for new pragmatic policies that leverage the support of this critical demographic to unlock delivery and growth.”
Mark Allan, Chief Executive Officer at Landsec said: “The Government should feel reassured that their ambitious housing targets can be delivered with the consent of local communities – particularly in the urban areas that made up our study. Our research demonstrates that the public is sophisticated not only in its understanding of what constitutes good development but also the benefits local communities should expect and enjoy from development. They are ready to embrace the opportunities of brownfield urban regeneration. It’s now up to policy makers and the property sector to maximise the potential and delivery of these sites across the country.”
Rob Perrins, Chief Executive of Berkeley Group, said: “Our Government clearly recognises that regenerating urban land is the most sustainable way to build new homes and drive growth. This research demonstrates that urban communities also support brownfield development and want to be involved in unlocking the positive potential of these sites. This should be hugely encouraging for ministers as they focus on lifting the regulatory barriers to regeneration and getting more homes built on underused sites.”
