England's housing crisis is not just about the number of homes, but also about the quality and safety of those homes. The recent heatwaves have highlighted a critical issue: the potential for new buildings to become 'death traps' due to overheating. This is not just a theoretical concern, but a very real and present danger, as evidenced by the tragic deaths of 2,700 people in the May and June heatwaves in England and Wales. Personally, I think this is a wake-up call for the government and planning experts to take immediate action and tighten standards to prevent further loss of life.
One of the main problems is the lack of consistency in local plans. While many councils have high aims for dealing with heat, the reality is that these plans are not always implemented effectively. For instance, only about half of local plans require new buildings to have a cooling or ventilation strategy, and only a quarter use a recognised tool to ensure this. This is a gap between what is said and what is done, and it needs to be addressed.
The 'future homes standard' introduced by ministers is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The standard will not apply to buildings such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, and it does not require new homes to have louvres and shutters to block out heat. In my opinion, this is a missed opportunity to create a more sustainable and safe housing stock. The standard should be expanded to cover all new buildings, and it should include provisions for shading and ventilation.
Another issue is the 'permitted development rights' that allow for dwellings to be built from converted offices without the regulations that apply to other homes. Many of these converted offices are glass boxes that can easily overheat, and a survey in London found that 14% of these homes had no windows that could be opened. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, as it puts vulnerable people at risk.
The Woodland Trust's report on the cooling effect of trees is also a critical finding. More than 11 million people in the UK are living in areas where less than 10% of land gets shade from trees, and people on low incomes are the worst affected. England has one of the lowest tree canopy levels in Europe, and only a third of people in English towns and cities enjoy tree cover at the minimum recommended levels. This is a stark reminder of the importance of green infrastructure in our cities and towns.
In conclusion, England's housing crisis is not just about the number of homes, but also about the quality and safety of those homes. The government and planning experts need to take immediate action to tighten standards and prioritise climate safeguards to prevent further loss of life. The future of our cities and towns depends on it.
