Converting empty spaces above shops to solve the housing crisis

New research from the FMB shows that more than 90% of MPs think that converting empty spaces above shops could help reverse the current housing shortage.

The statistics are found in the new FMB report ‘Homes on our high streets’, which show that MPs think converting shop spaces could have a positive impact on housing availability.

The results show that some 94% of MPs believe it could reverse the housing shortage in their constituency; with 89% of MPs thinking it could boost local growth in their area; as well as 86% of MPs believing it would have a positive impact on the vibrancy of their town centres.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “It is estimated that as many as 300,000 to 400,000 new homes could be created by making use of empty spaces above shops on our high streets. This is space just waiting to be turned into residential accommodation. The fact that 90% of MPs of all parties recognise the potential of our existing buildings to help solve the housing crisis means we need to be more imaginative if we are going to build the 300,000 homes a year that the Chancellor pledged in last month’s Budget.”

Berry continued: “Taking a number of case studies from town centres from right across Great Britain, our research highlights the opportunities that exist for creating new homes in a range of different building types. It demonstrates what could be achieved by innovative and ambitious development. The report puts councils at the heart of the solution and suggests some practical ways for them to facilitate the development of wasted space above shops. Local authorities should include proposals to make use of these empty spaces in their planning documents and also help find ways to overcome the various barriers, such as limited building access, so that we can tap into this much needed source of additional housing supply. Building new homes is important, but a great deal can also be achieved through making better use of our existing buildings.”

Berry concluded: “Over the past decade, as consumer habits have changed with the rise of online shopping, high streets are struggling to remain relevant. There will always be a place for vibrant high streets within our market towns but if not all of this space can be used for commercial reasons, let’s make use of it for residential and help increase the supply of new homes. These sorts of properties would be ideal for young professionals, or young families just starting out, as they benefit from good transport links and are close to shops, bars and restaurants. What we must avoid is perfectly good space lying empty and achieving nothing in terms of boosting the local economy or housing individuals and families.”

 

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