Why our communities should be built to last

House Beautiful online 04.03.2008

We investigate why a home is about more than bricks, mortar and a quality finish

New housing development

When 48-year-old Claire Valentine and her three children moved into their new build in Somerset two years ago, they instantly became part of a community.

The development was built on the site of an old yard just on the edge of town, with all its amenities right on their doorstep.

Claire's success story highlights the benefits of building on brownfield sites - previously developed land such as old factories and empty buildings - in towns and cities, rather than sprawling estates in the countryside with no built-in transport routes, shops or schools close by. With the Government promising three million new homes in the next 12 years, and green belt land becoming more precious by the day, it makes sense.

House Beautiful has recently launched Built To Last, a campaign calling for the Government to introduce four reforms (click here for more) to improve the quality of housing, and set out the first two points.

Our final two demands demonstrate the importance community plays in our happiness and good health.

To read more about the House Beautiful Built to Last campaign, click here...