British citizens advocate for an expansion of our website, emphasizing the importance of smaller, locally-driven initiatives

In the picturesque village of Kington, Herefordshire, the Webbs Meadow development stands as a testament to the success of small-scale, community-driven housing projects. With 13 high-quality homes built in its first phase and four more recently released, this development is making waves in the housing sector.

Local landowner Kinsey Hern, who spearheaded the Webbs Meadow project, had a clear vision: to enhance the village's economic viability, supporting local amenities like a pub and community centre. This approach to development could have a significant impact, not just in Kington, but across the UK.

Michael Holmes, a leading figure in the property industry, is advocating for a change in the housing sector. As Content Director for Homebuilding & Renovating and Vice Chair of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), Holmes proposes a gradual approach to housing development. He suggests building five new homes per year in each large village in England could result in an additional 30,000 to 50,000 homes annually, boosting the UK's new housing supply by 20%.

This shift towards smaller, community-driven developments is supported by a significant portion of the public. A study conducted in mid-2024 found that 90% of respondents agree that more housing is urgently needed across the UK. Moreover, 64% of respondents believe that new housing should be a mix of affordable and market-rate homes.

The public's preference for smaller, well-designed housing could offer a viable solution to the UK's housing crisis. The research suggests that people prefer self-build, community-focused developments over large-scale housing estates. In fact, 68% of people are in favor of new homes being built within five miles of where they live.

This shift challenges the assumption that the UK is a nation of 'NIMBYs' (Not In My Back Yard). The study shows that while the public is not opposed to new developments, they want them to be smaller, better designed, and more closely tied to their communities.

Holmes claims that this gradual approach would not overwhelm communities and would help deliver the types of homes that the public desires while meeting the government's targets for new housing. He offers design and project management services, with a background in overseeing 30 building projects, including self-builds and a Grade-II listed farmhouse renovation.

The Campaign for Individual Homes further supports this model, advocating for a model that prioritizes architectural quality, environmental sustainability, and community integration - homes that reflect the desires of the UK electorate.

In Devon, Teignbridge Council is championing self-build homes, offering 15 plots, three of which are affordable, for individuals to construct their own homes at the Howton Field project. This initiative exemplifies the potential of community-led housing developments to address the UK's housing crisis.

Younger adults are pushing for more affordable housing options, further emphasizing the need for change in the housing sector. As the demand for affordable, community-focused housing grows, it seems that the future of UK housing development may lie in smaller, more personalised projects that prioritise the needs and desires of local communities.