Housing
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\nPopulation 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
\nEngland 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.<\/p>\n
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
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\nAdvantages of building on greenfield and brownfield sites
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\nTraffic
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\nAs 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:
\n\u00b7 standing traffic and congestion
\n\u00b7 air and noise pollution
\n\u00b7 an adverse impact on buildings and environmental quality generally
\n\u00b7 buildings discoloured
\nStrategies designed to reduce the use of cars in cities:
\n\u00b7 encouraging cycling
\n\u00b7 making public transport more attractive
\n\u00b7 introducing park-and-ride schemes (York)
\n\u00b7 congestion charging (London)
\n\u00b7 oyster cards (London)
\n\u00b7 bus lanes
\n\u00b7 trams (Sheffield)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"