Making Places Attractive

People should be able to open their front door and step out onto attractive and clean streets that make them feel good. The government is committed to enhancing the quality of the built environment, improving the standard of places so that sustainable communities can be created. Local authorities across the country are also appointing champions for design and forward-thinking housebuilders are building inspiring new developments.

Decent Homes, Decent Spaces, published by Neighbourhoods Green states that: 'The quality of people’s homes is influenced by the spaces around them. There is an increasing recognition that well-designed, well-managed green spaces next to housing developments contribute to people’s quality of life and make neighbourhoods better to live in.'

Good urban design is vital in ensuring that places are properly laid out, flexible and responsive to the needs of local communities. New developments, major renewal and refurbishment all offer opportunities to adopt principles of good design and sustainable management and maintenance.

Home Zones are residential areas designed with streets that are suitable for people, not only for motor traffic. By creating a high quality street environment, Home Zones can strike a better balance between the needs of the local community and drivers. Involving the local community is the key to a successful scheme. Consultation with all sectors of the community, including young people, can help ensure that the design of individual Home Zones meets the needs of the local residents. Where successfully implemented, Home Zones have led to stronger, more vibrant and diverse communities, fewer empty properties and have even reduced crime.