The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has released a new report detailing how the concept of a utopian new town is still well within the realm of possibility
Using data gathered from sites of towns and desk-based research, the report shows that UK utopian plans can still be planned with some changes for the contemporary era.
Research has been drawn from academics from Liverpool, Glasgow, and Hertfordshire.
UK utopian towns can be culturally rich and sustainable
The report serves as a reminder that new towns can be more than just a method to build new homes, and can be made to be genuinely desirable places to live.
This follows on from an RTPI and YouGov poll last summer that showed the majority of Brits (73%) did not think the next generation of towns would meet community needs in 50 years, and the most common negative terms used to describe them are “concrete,” “boring,” and “soulless.”
The Futureproof New Towns report finds that in previous new towns built in the 20th century put bold and future-shaping ideals at their heart that keep the towns alive and full of soul even today, and encourages the next generation of towns to do the same.
Dr Daniel Slade, head of research and practice at the RTPI, said: “We need to move away from the cookie-cutter model of towns and housing that dominates development in the UK and start thinking creatively, from the ground up. These case studies show what becomes possible when we let go of pre-conceived ideas about place.”
Lead author of the report, Professor Alex Lord, University of Liverpool, said: “In Freiburg, the research team found powerful early engagement through a public ‘festival’ sprouted genuine interest in development from local residents.
“It’s one of the greatest lessons we can take from this research. When planners and local governments bring the communities along with them, they can create places where people truly want to live.”
Simon Creer, communications and external affairs director at the RTPI, said: “True ambition for new towns will overcome apathy to more development. This is a chance for today’s generation of planners to build their legacy. How these towns are viewed in 50 years will be seen not just as a reflection of their work today, but of their vision of the future.”
RTPI is funding the research of the next towns
Via the Practitioner Research Fund (PRF), the RTPI funded two research projects last month designed to influence the development of towns and new towns.
Two researchers, Cerys Atchinson and Daniel James, are heading the chosen projects. Cerys is studying how Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Birmingham affect both the actual safety and the perception of safety for women, as the city prepares to boost its number filters and extensions, making this research piece relevant for further utilisation, while Daniel is carrying out an interdisciplinary study of ‘tiny homes’ and their inhabitants, as local authorities investigate the use of tiny home structures to tackle the housing crisis and homelessness.
Cerys Atchison said: “I’m delighted to receive this grant and to work with the RTPI on a project that addresses an issue of growing importance in planning practice. Concerns about women’s safety in public space are well documented, yet there is still limited evidence on how large-scale street interventions such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods shape people’s everyday experiences of feeling safe or unsafe. Birmingham’s LTNs provide a valuable opportunity to explore this in depth. I hope the findings will support planners in designing more inclusive and safe places.”
Daniel James said: “Any discrepancy between attitudes to ‘tiny homes’ and caravans creates uncertainty for planning and housing officers regarding accommodation for some of the most disadvantaged people in society. While anyone can become homeless, this risk is greatly increased for marginalised groups, and so spatial standards for accommodation can be considered an equalities issue. The aims of my research are to provide relevant evidence regarding ‘tiny homes’ to planning and housing professionals, to encourage critical evaluation of these proposals, assist local authorities in preparing consistent responses to schemes, and to inform residents of ‘tiny homes’ about planning policy and minimum space standards.”
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