Conservation vs. development in the British countryside

Where do I start? :rolleyes:

I don't think many people in the UK - certainly not in the overcrowded South East - think that the price of property here is affordable. Some recent statistics suggest that the average age of a first time buyer is now 37. The long-term demographic implications of this don't need spelling out.

BUT....there is (trying to sound as neutral as possible) a widespread perception that large chunks of the leading party in the coalition (the Conservatives) are way too cosy with property developers. A lot of brownfield (ie derelict land in towns and cities) sites are still sitting around doing nothing. Personally I'd prefer to see development begin there...
 
I agree with my honourable friend above.
There is enormous demand for affordable housing in the south-east corner of England: but the economic policies of successive governments have not benefited the other regions of England to the same extent - nor the other countries of Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland (which have different degrees of local autonomy from Westminster). This is reflected in the price of housing in these areas compared to the south-east.
There is a need for some more houses in many places, but the main effort needs to be in London, redeveloping the areas that people and businesses have left - this was one of the main factors that led to the choice of a largely derelict area in the eastern part of London as the site for the Olympics next year.
Using up valuable agricultural land to build expensive houses for people to commute long distances into London and back would be an environmental disaster with no long term economic advantages to the country.

Alan
 
Using up valuable agricultural land to build expensive houses for people to commute long distances into London and back would be an environmental disaster with no long term economic advantages to the country.

Oh, do come off the fence Alan....;)
 
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