Greenbelt policy should be 'more flexible' says Riba

The Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) has said that the government should adapt a more flexible approach to greenbeltland as part of any new policy on housing.

Riba itself has just launched a new housing policy, which also sees the organisation call for minimum space standards for new homes.

A planning system that better appreciates design issues is also key any attempt to meet the demands of a growing population, it was noted.

"The average new home sold to people today is significantly smaller than that built in the 1920s. It can't be right for individuals, families or communities to live in matchboxes. We're way behind the rest of Europe," commented Riba president Jack Pringle.

"We want to develop new and constructive partnerships with developers, other construction professions and policy-makers to avoid the mistakes of the past. We’re back in the game and ready to do our bit to deliver great homes and places," Mr Pringle added.

Last month saw Riba holding its annual Architecture Week, which sought to emphasis the importance of energy efficient construction.


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