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Housing
New sustainable communities should be housing-led projects. It is important that investment in new development is targeted to areas where it can assist in meeting housing requirements. The creation of new communities may therefore be particularly appropriate in those parts of Scotland experiencing significant housing pressures. It is recognised that current market conditions are tighter than in the recent past, but demand remains strong with sustained levels of need being experienced, and some areas are likely to continue to experience pressures even in that context. More generally, it is crucially important that short-term fluctuations do not detract from the clear underlying need to increase housing supply and improve its responsiveness, especially given forecast growth in the number of households of 19% between 2006 and 2031.
The location of the housing land supply should be considered through the preparation of development plans. Proposals involving sites not currently identified in a development plan will require to demonstrate how they contribute to the strategy of the plan. In some areas the planning context may already be sufficiently clear to enable a proposal to be taken forward directly through a masterplan and planning application.
Viikki, Helsinki, Finland
Built between 1998 and 2002 with a special subsidy for pilot projects, as part of a Government approved programme of ecologically sustainable development for the property and construction sector. Built as a result of two design competitions for the area, the masterplan proposes a finger like structure with alternating buildings and green open spaces. The layout permits functions to be combined naturally, nutrients and water to be recycled and the utilisation of solar energy.
Q1. How does this proposal contribute to meeting identified regional or local housing requirements taking account of the economic opportunity of the area?
- is consistent with the development plan strategy, housing and other land allocations for the area,
- provides an appropriate mix of housing types and tenures,
- offers a minimum 25% of the housing as affordable. 1
Rouholahti, West Harbour Area, Helsinki, Finland
A new housing and mixed use development to turn the city's former harbour areas into a new maritime city quarter for 22,000 people. Award winning development of 5-7 storey residential blocks, built around canals, parks, streets and squares, with many artistic and cultural activities located within the area - e.g. Nokia's former Cable factory is now one of the largest industrial buildings used for cultural purposes.
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