Despite all the talk about encouraging sustainable development, the average walking time from major new housing development to the mix of amenities necessary for normal life, such as schools, employment centres, shops, and GP’s surgeries is 43 minutes. This compares with an average of just 15 minutes by car. (RTPI study Location of Development December 2021). We are continuing to develop in locations that are car dependent. We are connecting them, not with cycling and walking infrastructure but with expensive trunk-road style highways. We are building housing estates, rather than balanced developments with the necessary amenities and uses. With fuel costs increasing, there are grave concerns about the future of this approach to development. Is there an alternative? Three of the UK’s leading experts will demonstrate what needs to be done to ensure our towns, cities and new development provide affordable, healthy, and fulfilled lifestyles for all, with minimal impact on the planet.
Chair: Robert Huxford, Director, Urban Design Group
Well located – Strategic Urban Design – Site allocation – Building in the right places
Katja Stille, Director, Tibbalds
Well connected – looking at connections outside the redline
Amy Burbidge, Head of Design and Master Development, Homes England
Well designed – 15 minute neighbourhoods, neighbourhood and street design
Chris Martin, Co-founder + Director of Urban Strategy, Urban Movement
