Northampton, with its vibrant culture and rich
history, has long been an attractive place to live. However, recent concerns
suggest that the whole of the UK (and thus Northampton) may be facing a
population crisis, impacting the quality of life for its residents.
With 9,825 people living in every square mile, the
town appears to be bursting at the seams.
But is Northampton truly overcrowded, or are these
figures a little misleading?
Understanding
Population Density
To put things in perspective, the United Kingdom has
a population density of approximately 1,065 people per square mile, making it
the second most densely populated country in Europe. Northampton covers an area
of 21.899 square miles and is home to around 215,200 people. This translates to
9,825 people per square mile, a figure that certainly sounds alarming at first
glance. Yet for comparison, there are 33,465 people per square mile in the
Lambeth Council Area in London.
However, back to Northampton, let's break this down
further. A square mile is a large area, and numbers on this scale can be
misleading.
So, I would like to look at a smaller measurement,
the acre. An acre for the younger readers amongst you is 64 metres squared. I
believe though an acre is a more relatable unit of measurement.
Northampton has an average of
14.0 residents per acre
(as Northampton covers 15,373 acres)
This figure, while still significant, paints a less
dramatic picture.
The
Housing Shortage
The real issue isn't just the number of people, but
the availability of housing.
There simply aren't enough homes to accommodate
everyone who would like to live in Northampton. This shortage is placing
immense pressure on public services. Many parents struggle to secure their
first choice of primary or secondary school for their children, and finding a
local dentist or GP with available appointments is becoming increasingly
difficult.
You would think with all the new homes building
sites in the town, we are building plenty of new homes. The truth though is
this, even with the number of new homes being built, we still aren’t building
enough.
So, why aren’t enough homes being built?
The issue started in the early 1980s when councils
stopped building homes.
Before 1979, an average of 147,000 private homes per
year were built. Since 1979, it’s been an average of 153,000 homes per year (so
not much different). However, before 1979, an average of 165,700 council homes
were built per year, yet since 1979, it’s been an average of 11,400 council
homes built per year (and this is not a politics thing either, as in Labour
years of 1997 to 2010, only 490 council homes were built per year. In essence,
every political party has been at fault).
In 2007, then Prime Minister Tony Blair set a
target for 240,000 new homes to be built annually to keep pace with population
growth. The Conservative government later adjusted this target to 200,000 homes
per year. However, since 2012, the UK has been building only 175,641 homes
annually. This shortfall has exacerbated the housing crisis, particularly in
densely populated towns like Northampton.
After winning the recent general election in the UK, the
new Labour government has announced an ambitious plan to build 300,000 houses
per year. This initiative aims to address the housing shortage and improve
affordability across the country. The government’s commitment to this
large-scale construction project reflects their focus on boosting the housing
supply and supporting communities in need of new homes.
So, assuming they can find the builders (and other trades)
to build all these homes, where are they going to build them?
Is There
Space for All These New Homes?
One might wonder where new homes could possibly be
built in a seemingly crowded island.
Interestingly, an official government report
reveals that residential properties cover only 1.2% of England's land mass.
(Note: there is no data for Wales and Scotland, yet
even if there was, the numbers would be even lower).
When you include gardens with the homes, this
figure rises to 4.7%. Here’s a detailed breakdown of land use in England:
- Residential Houses and Flats: 1.2%
- Gardens: 3.5%
- Shops and Offices: 0.7%
- Highways (Roads and Paths): 2.3%
- Railways: 0.1%
- Water (Rivers and Reservoirs): 2.6%
- Industry, Military, and Other Uses: 1.4%
- Open Countryside: 88.3%
This means that 88.3% of the land remains open
countryside. If we factor in gardens, which are green spaces, the country is 91.8%
greenspace. Thus, if we were to adopt the 300,000 annual target for the next 20
years, there is ample room to build those additional six million homes, and it would
occupy only 0.3% of the country’s land.
Sustainable
Development
The key to solving Northampton's housing crisis
lies in sustainable development and innovative urban planning. Massive housing
estates and towering apartment blocks are not the answer. Instead, we need to
consider creative solutions that integrate seamlessly with the existing
landscape.
For instance, mixed-use developments that combine
residential, commercial, and recreational spaces can create vibrant communities
without encroaching on green spaces. Additionally, repurposing underutilised
urban areas, such as old industrial sites, can provide much-needed housing
without expanding the town’s footprint. Also, the associated infrastructure
like those doctors’ surgeries and schools need to be built with them at the
same time.
The Role
of Technology
Modern technology can also play a significant role
in addressing housing challenges. Prefabricated and modular homes, for example,
can be constructed quickly and efficiently, reducing the strain on resources.
These types of homes can be designed to be environmentally friendly,
incorporating energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.
Furthermore, advancements in urban planning
software allow for better simulation and planning of new developments, ensuring
that they are both efficient and harmonious with the surrounding environment.
Community
Involvement
Public engagement and community involvement are
crucial in addressing Northampton's housing needs. Northampton residents should
have a say in how their neighbourhoods evolve. Collaborative planning can lead
to more acceptable and sustainable solutions, fostering a sense of ownership
and pride among residents.
Final
Thoughts
Northampton’s apparent overcrowding is a complex
issue that goes beyond mere numbers. While the town does have a high population density,
the real challenge lies in the availability of housing and the efficient use of
space.
By rethinking urban development and leveraging
modern technology, Northampton can accommodate its growing population without
sacrificing the quality of life that makes it such an appealing place to live.
These are my thoughts, what are your thoughts on
the matter?
