The Challenge

We need a sufficient supply of new homes to ensure that housing availability and affordability do not constrain the economic growth we need to match the rest of South East England. In addition, we want both existing and new communities in South Hampshire to be sustainable. PUSH is seeking assurance from Government that funding will be made available for the new schools, health facilities, transport and other infrastructure that are needed if sustainable communities are to be created. The Partnership is determined that the pace of new development must be conditional on, and determined by, the provision of transport and other infrastructure

PUSH’s current target of achieving 3.5 per cent annual economic growth (GVA) by 2026 will require land for business expansion and house building. Around 80,000 new homes and nearly 2 million square metres of additional business floorspace are proposed, most of which are to cater for people and firms already resident in South Hampshire. Accommodating this new development whilst also protecting the area’s environment is a major challenge. Previously-developed “brownfield” sites alone cannot accommodate all the necessary development; some building on greenfield land must be planned for. This substantial urban development proposed in South Hampshire must respect the area’s natural assets including its biodiversity, high quality but vulnerable water resources, changing coastline and important historic features. It must also minimise resource use during construction and throughout the lifetime of the development.

Much of the new housing proposed in South Hampshire is for existing residents and to accommodate forecast population growth and demographic change. There is a growing need for affordable housing, both to cater for future needs and to house the backlog of around 5,000 households who need such accommodation. PUSH has set a target that 30 to 40 per cent of new homes should be affordable housing but achieving that target will require substantial support from Government, as well as contributions from developers. New developments will improve the availability and choice for people who want to own or rent their own home, as well as bringing life back into areas that need regenerating. Some additional housing is needed for people moving into the area, bringing with them the skills and expertise needed by businesses and services in South Hampshire.