Commission to champion beautiful buildings announced

James Brokenshire has announced a commission to champion beautiful buildings as an integral part of the drive to build the homes communities need.

The Communities Secretary stated that the ‘Building Better, Building Beautiful’ Commission will develop a vision and practical measures to help ensure new developments meet the needs and expectations of local communities, making them more likely to be welcomed rather than resisted. The new rules also ensure more consideration can be given to the character of the local area.

The commission has three main aims: to promote better design and style of homes, villages, towns and high streets, to reflect what communities want, building on the knowledge and tradition of what they know works for their area; to explore how new settlements can be developed with greater community consent; and to make the planning system work in support of better design and style, not against it.

Brokenshire said: “Most people agree we need to build more for future generations, but too many still feel that new homes in their local area just aren’t up to scratch. Part of making the housing market work for everyone is helping to ensure that what we build, is built to last. That it respects the integrity of our existing towns, villages and cities.

“This will become increasingly important as we look to create a number of new settlements across the country and invest in the infrastructure and technology they will need to be thriving and successful places. This commission will kick start a debate about the importance of design and style, helping develop practical ways of ensuring new developments gain the consent of communities, helping grow a sense of place, not undermine it. This will help deliver desperately needed homes – ultimately building better and beautiful will help us build more.”