HBF urges flexibility in Thames Gateway developments

8 August, 2006

Responding to a report from the Campaign to Protect Rural England showing progress on social indicators in the Thames Gateway area, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation Stewart Baseley says:

“The task of urban regeneration is about more than merely measuring targets or proportions.  Desirable communities are created through the provision of a mix of housing types in a choice of locations throughout the Thames Gateway.”

“Developments on brownfield sites should be encouraged where feasible, but a 100% brownfield target combined with very high density targets will risk the provision of homes which people will not want to buy.”

“Given the chronic shortage of family-size homes, acting in such a way will only serve to prevent buyers from living in the homes which they desire.”

Notes for Editors

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector home builders and voice of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF’s 300 member firms account for over 80% of all new homes built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies. www.hbf.co.uk

The report from the CPRE entitled “Focus on the Thames Gateway” is published on 9th August, and is available at www.cpre.org.uk

For media information, please contact:

Paul Boulter

0207 404 5344

07814 506 378

paul.boulter@portlandpr.co.uk