Density helps meet housing needs – and enhances environment, says Economist

Small, close-knit developments can provide density to meet London’s housing needs, suggests current affairs newspaper, The Economist.

Denser cities use space more efficiently, leading to shorter commutes and lower carbon footprints, the paper argues, but this does not have to mean skyscrapers. Smaller structures are likely to gain more local support, and put less strain on infrastructure.

Higher density could go a long way to meeting London’s estimated demand for 83,000 new homes a year. Quoting Centre for Cities estimates, the paper suggests that if 5% of the capital were able to match Maida Vale’s density levels, London could accommodate an additional 1.2m people.

The newspaper points out that New York and Seoul accommodate the same numbers as London, across half the land mass.

The lowdown on high rise

Acknowledging CPRE figures that indicate sufficient vacant or derelict sites exist to build 400,000 homes, The Economist argues in its 15 April edition that brownfield sites may be less appealing to developers. It also recognises that high rise projects can be expensive and even increase global warming.

‘High rise are not the only, or even the best, way to achieve greater density, because tall towers on narrow streets send buildings’ carbon emissions spiralling,’ it states.

‘Elsewhere, smaller developments in closer proximity on the same amount of land can achieve comparable density on the same amount of land, and at lower cost to the environment.’

Compact cities

Alice Roberts, Head of Campaigns at CPRE London said: ‘We have long argued that higher density, compact cities offer the best solution to meeting planning needs and protecting the environment, including the Green Belt.

‘It is good to see a newspaper with the impact of The Economist recognising the value of smaller scale, sustainable development in meeting London’s housing needs.’

For more on the CPRE London campaign see Why London needs to be a ‘compact city’ – CPRE London

Read more here: https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/04/12/can-high-rise-buildings-solve-londons-housing-problems

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