Housing
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Population in the UK has increased by 7% since 1971 and this rate of growth is predicted to continue, giving a population of 52.5 million in
England by 2021. The number of households has risen by 30% since 1971. Most of this increase is because more people live alone – some 7 million of the UK’s population. New single-person households account for 70% of the increased demand for housing. This is due to people leaving home to rent or buy younger than previously, marrying later, getting divorced and living longer. A third of single-person households are aged over 65.
The government target is to build 240,000 new houses every year by 2016 so that house prices do not spiral out of control as a result of a shortage. Many of these new homes will be built throughout existing towns and cities, with a target of 60% to be built on brownfield sites – areas that have been previously built on, usually in the inner city. However, some housing will inevitably be built on greenfield sites – areas that have not previously been built on, usually on the edge of the
city.
Advantages of building on greenfield and brownfield sites
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Traffic
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As we demand greater mobility and accessibility with flexibility, the number of cars has increased, as has the problem of traffic congestion. More people have more money and welcome the door-to-door service that comes with having a car. Man households (27% in 2002) have more than one car, while 45% have one car. Some of the environmental problems are:
· standing traffic and congestion
· air and noise pollution
· an adverse impact on buildings and environmental quality generally
· buildings discoloured
Strategies designed to reduce the use of cars in cities:
· encouraging cycling
· making public transport more attractive
· introducing park-and-ride schemes (York)
· congestion charging (London)
· oyster cards (London)
· bus lanes
· trams (Sheffield)