WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE TELLING US? Andrew Drury

HATC Involvement 1998 –Guide to Standards & Quality (National Housing Federation) Parker Morris & Design Bulletin 6: functional approach Karn & Sheridan, 1994 –Housing Quality Indicators (HQIs) –Housing Corporation requirement –Successfully maintained space standards in Grant- supported sector (ish)

More Recently Redrow etc 25m² flats Response to simple demand / supply pressures by producers whose only interest (legitimately) is the initial sale, not the long-term use or value of the product Concerns over longer term sustainability –Demolition or remodelling in 20 years is financially and environmentally wasteful –“throwaway housing” 2005/6 –Housing Space Standards (Greater London Authority) No further research available Some attempt to look at effects of overcrowding, but not “cramping”

Research Gap We don’t know how much space households need to be able to live, work, socialise, avoid one another, move around, do the chores etc. We don’t know what the housebuilding industry is providing.

Research Required How much space is needed in the 21 st century home? –i.e. update Parker Morris from the 1960s to now / the near future What is being provided? –i.e. update Karn & Sheridan If there is a mis- match, action is needed. If not, the market is working well.

Is there a Problem? HATC commissioned by EP / CABE Survey residents satisfaction with space standards in recently (last 5 years) developed private homes Ipsos-MORI Reporting by the end of April 2008