The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) research, has implied that 90% of MPs believe that by renovating the space above shops could help in overturning the shortage in housing.
Additionally, the research suggested that some 89% of MPs believe by transforming this space, it could lead to a boost in local growth.
By altering empty spaces above shops, the chief executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, believes roughly 300,000 to 400,000 homes could be produced.
“This is space just waiting to be turned into residential accommodation. The fact that 90 per cent of MPs of all parties recognise the potential of our existing buildings to help solve the housing crisis means we need to be more imaginative if we are going to build the 300,000 homes a year that the chancellor pledged in last month’s Budget.”
The report, ‘Homes on Our High Streets’ was published beside the survey by the FMB.
The report mentions that in a variety of urban settings, there is huge opportunity to advance further residential units.
6 examples, (listed below), were included as case study towns.
- Bishop’s Stortford,
- Bridgend,
- Castleford,
- Harrow,
- Motherwell,
- Stratford-upon-Avon.
Numerous recommendations were made in the report to deal with challenges, for example;
“explicitly make reference to building homes above shops on the high street within their various planning documents”.
It was mentioned by Berry that the research focuses on the prospects that exist for creating new homes in a variety of buildings.
“It demonstrates what could be achieved by innovative and ambitious development. The report puts councils at the heart of the solution.”
Along with the alterations of consumer habits, and an upsurge of online shopping, he said;
“high streets are struggling to remain relevant.”
Continuing, Berry said if not all space on high streets can be used for commercial reasons,
“let’s make use of it for residential and help increase the supply of new homes”.
For more information, call us on 01342 890010 or email info@dev-assist.co.uk
