A healthy population is one of a nation’s most important assets, while “neighbourhood and physical environment” is a key social determinant of health. As we grapple with the complexities of the housing crisis, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to shift our perspective beyond simply meeting housing number targets. Today’s changing society demands a more nuanced, forward-thinking approach to planning and building our housing and communities.
Priorities for the long-term housing strategy
The housing crisis is not just about quantity - it’s about quality, accessibility, and sustainability. A long-term housing strategy needs to address the complex interplay between housing, health and well-being, climate action, and economic growth.
Many of the housing challenges we face today stem from regional and societal inequalities. One solution cannot fix all - we need a strategic, long-term, place-based approach to tackle these issues. This approach should ensure that our housing solutions are not just reactive but proactive, addressing both current and future societal needs, and ensuring that quality housing is accessible, affordable, and adaptable for all segments of society.
As a top priority, the housing strategy needs to thoughtfully consider the changing demographics and lifestyles of our society. If unsuitable housing types continue to be supplied, it will not only worsen the current housing crisis but also lead to high future costs to address these issues. We need homes and neighbourhoods that can accommodate multi-generational living, support aging in place, cater to single-person households, and meet diverse cultural and lifestyle preferences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated social trends that were already reshaping our housing and lifestyle preferences. There is a growing demand for flexible living spaces, access to nature, and community-focused developments. These trends call for innovative housing models that can adapt to changing work patterns, support multi-generational living and co-housing, and foster community cohesion.
By 2050, a quarter of the UK population will be over 60 years old. Research from the Office for National Statistics shows that older people are increasingly moving away from major cities to rural and coastal areas, where social and healthcare facilities are already under significant pressure. Between 2018 and 2043, rural areas are projected to see some of the largest increases in the proportion of one-person households occupied by older adults. The Centre for Ageing Better stresses the urgent need to make older people's homes safe and suitable, noting that poor housing costs the NHS an estimated £1.4bn annually.
The housing strategy should also consider both new construction and the retrofitting of existing housing stock, with the aim of improving quality of life and sustainability. As of 2023, the dwelling stock in England amounted to 25.4 million homes. The 2020-2021 English Housing Survey highlighted a strong correlation between energy efficiency and housing quality. For example, in 2020-2021, 3.5 million occupied homes in England did not meet the Decent Homes Standard, with 96% of them falling into the lowest bands of the Energy Efficiency Rating. Additionally, more than 1 in 5 households headed by someone aged 75 or over live in a non-decent home.
These facts highlight the need to view housing as more than just a collection of residential buildings - it must be integrated into broader government policies aimed at fostering healthy communities, saving future public spending, and establishing a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Digitally empowered strategic spatial planning
Strategic spatial planning is an essential mechanism for developing and delivering a long-term housing strategy. Empowered by digital technology and big data, this approach has significant potential to shift from short-term, process-driven, siloed thinking to a long-term, integrated, cross-departmental, mission-driven strategy. This means considering not just the number of houses to be built, but also how these houses will impact - and be impacted by - local job markets, physical and social infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the natural environment. This long-term, strategic approach will significantly accelerate the housing planning and delivery process, provide the market with the certainty and confidence it needs, and make housing more affordable across all sectors.
Digitally empowered strategic spatial planning offers a unique opportunity for us to capture cross-departmental intelligence and streamline planning processes. By leveraging advanced data analytics, we can synthesise information from various sectors into a cohesive framework that informs decision-making. This enables upskilled planners to identify trends, correlations, and potential impacts more effectively than traditional methods.
For instance, we should consider how local renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, can be strategically integrated into both new and existing housing developments. By harnessing these sustainable resources, we can not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also significantly mitigate fuel poverty, ensuring that all local residents have access to affordable and reliable energy for their homes.
Moreover, digital collaboration platforms can facilitate real-time communication and feedback among stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency and shared responsibility. By enabling all relevant parties, including local communities, to contribute to the planning process, we can create strategies that are not only evidence-based but also reflective of the needs and aspirations of the people they serve.
Enabling well-skilled and well-resourced local authorities
The future of housing requires a shift not only in strategic planning but also in the standards that define what it means to create liveable, thriving communities. Place-making standards - which prioritise social cohesion, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and quality of life - are essential for ensuring that housing contributes meaningfully to the fabric of our society. Place-making goes beyond constructing buildings - it involves designing spaces that foster a sense of belonging and support diverse lifestyles, where amenities, green spaces, public transport, and local businesses are thoughtfully integrated. Children, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups make up more than 70% of our population. By establishing strong place-making standards, we can ensure that developments are friendly to our communities, both now and in the future.
To achieve these high standards, local authorities play a pivotal role. However, many local authorities currently face significant resource constraints that hinder their ability to fully implement innovative, people-centred planning practices. Addressing these resource gaps requires investing in local authority capabilities, both in terms of funding and expertise. With the advent of digital planning tools and big data, local authorities need professionals who are not only skilled in traditional planning methods but also proficient in data analytics, digital collaboration tools, and sustainable development practices. Upskilling planners and bringing in cross-disciplinary experts will empower local authorities to make evidence-based, forward-thinking decisions that align with place-making principles.
A new paradigm for housing
In conclusion, addressing the housing crisis requires a fundamental shift in our approach. By adopting an evidence-based, people-focused strategy that leverages digital innovation, we can create housing solutions that not only meet current demands but also adapt to the changing needs of our society. This approach - combined with strategic spatial planning and well-resourced local authorities - can help us build communities that are resilient, sustainable, and truly fit for the future.
This new paradigm for housing requires us to think beyond bricks and mortar. It demands that we consider the broader social, economic, and environmental context in which housing exists. It calls for a more collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise from urban planning, public health, social and environmental sciences, data analytics, and community development.
The task ahead is challenging, but the potential rewards are immense. By reimagining our approach to housing, we have the opportunity to shape a future where everyone has access to a home that supports their wellbeing, fosters community connections and economic growth, and contributes to a more sustainable world. This is the vision we must strive for as we plan for the housing needs of our changing society for the long-term.
