Local authorities and housing officers need advice from architects

The challenges facing local authorities and housing officers have never been more real as they seek to tackle societal, fuel poverty and climate-related issues. An ageing housing stock and a growing population that must be provided with affordable housing are key concerns; poorly performing homes pose particular problems. Frequently, it is architects who can provide the advice and solutions needed. Architects bring the breadth of experience and knowledge necessary to create homes that are fit for the future. By taking a holistic approach to design, they consider not only spaces, aesthetics and structures but also the social, economic, and environmental context. They can help local authorities meet ever more complex regulatory demands and the rigorous sustainability goals that relate to every facet of the built environment, be it new build, retrofit or wider issues associated with placemaking. For architects, the process involves creative thinking, navigating planning and building regulations and employing up-to-date knowledge of materials and techniques.

Meeting sustainability targets and the threats associated with climate change at a time when around 95 per cent of the British population lives in areas where local authorities have declared a climate emergency* is crucial. With resilience now a key consideration in urban planning, risks of overheating, flooding and damage to buildings must be addressed from day one. It is also essential that both existing and new buildings are energy efficient and heated from low carbon sources to achieve a route to net zero.

By seeking and heeding the advice of architects, local authorities can have the confidence to maximise their assets and achieve cost effective solutions through coherent and effective development strategies. There has rarely been a time when it has been more important to exploit the skills that architects can bring to creating high quality, beautiful and sustainable homes and places that result in inclusive, diverse and thriving communities.

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