GPSJ Autumn 2024 ONLINE - Flipbook - Page 44
GPSJ
HOUSING & PROPERTY
Whose responsibility is it to build housing
communities for the future?
As an SME house builder
in the North of England,
we at HJK 昀椀rmly believe
that the responsibility for
building sustainable, vibrant
communities requires a
fully collaborative e昀昀ort. In
this article, we’ll look at the
various bodies that can work
together to help create such
communities.
The In昀氀uence of Local
Authorities and Government
Local authorities and government
bodies play a crucial role in
shaping the environment in which
housebuilders operate. Planning
policies need to be adaptable,
helping create smoother
development processes. When
regulations are too rigid, they can
delay projects and sti昀氀e creativity.
Local authorities should also
ensure that adequate land
is allocated for development
and that they can supply the
necessary infrastructure like roads,
schools, refuse disposal and utility
installation. This infrastructure will,
in turn, attract further investment.
Builders and local authorities
can work together and
communicate closely to identify
and mitigate any potential
obstacles, creating a more
straightforward and productive
environment for housing projects.
Financial Institutions and
Accessibility
Elli Kiely
SME house builders are a key
part of the UK’s housebuilding
landscape, o昀昀ering unique
contributions that larger
developers often overlook. With
a focus on quality over quantity,
these builders deliver diverse,
high-standard homes tailored to
local needs. Their smaller scale
can o昀昀er a more collaborative and
adaptable approach, which helps
foster close relationships with
communities and allows them to
respond swiftly to local demands.
SME projects often incorporate
features that re昀氀ect the character
and requirements of the area,
contributing to a sense of place
and belonging. By engaging
directly with residents and
stakeholders, SME builders can
design spaces that truly meet
the needs of the people who live
there.
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Unlike large corporations,
which can secure substantial
investments with relative ease,
SMEs often struggle to obtain the
necessary 昀椀nancial backing for
their projects. This lack of funding
can be a real hindrance to their
ability to meaningfully contribute
to housing supply and market
diversity.
One of the main obstacles is
the stringent criteria and high
costs associated with traditional
lending options. Financial
institutions often perceive SMEs
as higher-risk ventures compared
to their larger counterparts,
often leading to less favourable
loan terms and limited access
to capital. This scenario restricts
SMEs’ capacity to innovate and
expand, ultimately impacting the
overall housing market.
To address these issues,
昀椀nancial institutions need to
o昀昀er more accessible and varied
funding solutions. For instance,
government-backed loan
schemes and grants speci昀椀cally
tailored for SME builders could
alleviate some of the 昀椀nancial
burdens they face. More 昀氀exible
and competitive loan terms could
make it easier for these smaller
businesses to secure the funds
needed for development.
Another way forward is by
fostering stronger partnerships
between 昀椀nancial institutions
and SME housebuilders.
By recognising the unique
contributions SMEs bring to the
housing sector, such as localised
knowledge and innovative design
approaches, lenders can develop
bespoke 昀椀nancial products that
better meet the needs of these
builders.
Community Involvement in
Development
Engaging communities in the
development process is essential
for creating housing projects that
genuinely serve their needs.
For too long, people have
felt excluded or powerless in
the face of local planning and
housing development. By involving
local people at all stages of
development, local authorities
and builders can ensure that new
homes are designed with real-life
requirements in mind, whether
it’s for multi-generational families,
eco-friendly living, accessible
spaces, or making sure that local
amenities are preserved.
Involving residents early on
can be achieved through public
consultations, workshops,
and regular dialogue, allowing
them to voice their preferences
and concerns. This helps
developers understand the unique
characteristics and priorities of the
local area, resulting in housing that
re昀氀ects the community’s identity
and priorities.
This engagement can foster
a sense of ownership and
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL WINTER 2024/2025
belonging, making residents more
invested in the success of the
development. It can also lead to
innovative solutions that might not
have been considered otherwise.
For instance, community feedback
can inspire the inclusion of shared
spaces like gardens, playgrounds,
or communal facilities that
enhance the quality of life for
everyone.
When developers and residents
collaborate, the outcome is more
likely to be a vibrant, cohesive
community where people feel
connected and supported.
Empowering SME Builders
for the Future
The future of housing should
not be dictated solely by large
corporations and policymakers.
SME housebuilders must be
empowered to contribute to
well-designed, locally integrated,
and forward-thinking housing
solutions.
To fully realise the potential
of SME builders in shaping the
future of housing, it is crucial to
support their unique strengths
and contributions. This can be
achieved through a balanced
approach that ensures SMEs have
equal opportunities alongside
larger corporations.
By fostering partnerships
between builders, local authorities
and communities, we can
create a more integrated and
responsive housebuilding sector.
What’s more, recognising and
harnessing the unique strengths
of SME builders will mean we can
ensure a diverse, sustainable, and
adaptable future for housing in the
UK.
