Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Cooper: More green homes to address shortage

Tuesday, 16 October 2007 12:00 AM

The government has unveiled the findings of the Homes for the Future: More Affordable, More Sustainable consultation paper on the future of housing in the UK.

The green paper outlines the government's proposals to address the housing shortages which have blighted the UK for a generation through the building of more green, affordable homes.

There will be "more homes - backed by more ambitious building targets, increased investment, and new ways of identifying and using land for development," said housing minister, Yvette Cooper.

Ms Cooper also promised the government would be "building homes more quickly - by unblocking the planning system and releasing land for development" and they would be "greener homes - with high environmental standards and flagship developments leading the way".

The plans have been designed to combat rising prices and falling affordability in the market.

Demand for homes in the UK is growing faster than supply and wages have failed to keep pace with price increases in recent years. These factors have combined to exclude many first-time buyers from the housing ladder.

Climate change has added a further dimension to the problem, prompting the government to focus effort of environmentally sustainable homes.

In response the government has promised three million new homes by 2020, with two million built by 2016 - some 240,000 annually.

The plans will offer scope for ten new eco-towns in the UK and will concentrate on new areas for development, including the north of England.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) gave the plans a cautious welcome.

"The Code for Sustainable Homes and proposals for ten new eco-towns are important and welcome steps.

"I am convinced however, that greater attention to design is needed if we are to balance the energy demand of construction and use of our homes with the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said RIBA President, Sunand Prasad.

There will also be am initiatives to help those in rural areas, which have been acutely affected by housing shortages - including shared ownership and social housing schemes.

To see the
" target="_blank">Homes for the Future: More Affordable, More Sustainable report in full, follow the link.

Related stories

Finding a suitable property (29 per cent) is a growing worry for first-time buyers. Image:Pixmedia

First-time buyers face shortage of homes for sale

Problems raising a deposit compounded by fall in number of flats and terraced homes on market, says Rightmove.

Row of houses in London

Shelter calls for more action on empty homes

Shelter said councils should do more to combat the ‘disgraceful waste’ of empty homes while thousands wait on housing lists.
Salford Quays, Manchester

Manchester to lead green homes revolution

Energy-efficient upgrades will make the city's social housing warmer and more comfortable to live in.

 Building site at sunset

More affordable homes to be built than expected

Grant Shapps has revealed that 170,000, rather than 150,000, new affordable homes are now likely to be built.
modular home

Prefab homes "could solve UK housing shortage"

Housing built off-site and dropped into place could be a "highly-practical" way to get first-time buyers onto the UK property ladder.

 Two thirds of landlords interested in Green Deal loans for energy efficiency improvements, says National Landlords Association. Image: Thinkstock

Landlords keen to take up Green Deal

Interest high in scheme that offers loans for energy efficiency improvements to homes.
More home owners would take up Green Deal energy efficiency programme with lower VAT, say groups. Image: Thinkstock

Government urged to cut VAT on Green Deal

Coalition of 26 groups say 5 per cent VAT rate would encourage home owners to make property more energy efficient.

Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone. Image: Thinkstock

More of the same for housing market in 2012

Halifax says low interest rates likely to keep house prices stable despite weak economy but warns of uncertainty over Eurozone.

Countryside property

Rural areas suffer affordable housing shortage

"Many of the communities upon which our countryside depends could shrivel and die," warns expert.

 Few implementing energy efficiency measures

More homeowners need to carry out green improvements

The National Home Improvement Show has suggested more homeowners should look into energy efficiency modifications.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Why increasing amounts of people are opting for house shares

London is an expensive place to live, however, house shares offer you the opportunity to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital for a fraction of the price you would pay to live on your own, making them a cost-effective way forward.

Why sliding door wardrobes are the best choice for small spaces

When bedroom space is at a premium, you need to be creative with the furniture you invest in. In terms of the wardrobe, you may want to consider those with sliding doors, as they are the most practical in small bedrooms thanks to the doors.

The durability of mahogany furniture is ideal for the office

For office-based businesses it is vital to invest in high-quality furniture that is both practical and comfortable to use. While there are many products to choose from, the benefits on hand with items made from mahogany mean it is an option you should be certain to consider.