Future planning, the UK’s approach to placemaking needs to change - Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset

From Hugh Petter, PBC Today

"To create great communities, taking a long-term view at the outset of projects is crucial. While this may require upfront costs and lower profits in the short-term, this deferred approach to financial returns will entail longer-term rewards as desirable communities are created.

While this type of placemaking used to be the preserve of the Landed Estates, pioneer places such as Poundbury have highlighted the benefits of adopting a patient approach. In 1988, many critics saw Poundbury as an expensive distraction, but it now supports over 4,500 people, and has produced 1,410 completed homes with 33% affordable housing. The development has, seen an increase of almost £98m per annum to Gross Value Added (GVA) to the local economy and established 1,600 full-time equivalent jobs. Poundbury is the perfect example of a socially responsible approach".

The need for action

"The need for better placemaking has never been greater. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a mass exodus from the cities, and dormitory towns (which lack retail shops, green spaces or any sense of real community) will struggle in these difficult times. At a time when it has been increasingly proven that nothing is certain, we need towns equipped with infrastructure to sustainably support the communities they house".