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Think small to solve London housing crisis, says builders' group
25/10/10
Edited by Andy Jowett.The new investment taskforce set up by London mayor Boris Johnson to attract private sector support for building affordable housing should look to develop the capital's numerous "mirco-sites", the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said.
Brian Berry, the organisation's director of external affairs, welcomed the decision to set up the unit, adding it was a "tremendous boost" to know the mayor is serious about tackling the shortage of residential property.
"Everyone should have the right to an affordable decent home but the London Assembly needs to be more creative about using the limited resources available," he added.
Mr. Berry claimed the capital's demand for social housing could be met by developing small sites under two hectares in size within built-up areas.
He said these "micro-sites" are often overlooked when counting available plots but they could more than meet current need without pushing development on to greenfield land.
Mayor Johnson has set a target of delivering 50,000 new affordable homes in the capital by 2012.
