On 18 April, the European Housing Forum organised a well attended conference in Dublin to discuss the delivery of sustainable communities.

It brought together politicians, academics, developers, professionals, social landlords and non-governmental organisations from across the European Union. The RICS, a member of the European Forum, also attended.

Michael Newey, FRICS and Director of Broadland Housing, a past chair of the Forum, addressed the conference on the role of housing associations in facilitating community cohesion and the responsibility of policy makers not to do harm when trialling yet another initiative.

Nigel Armstrong, Director at Weedon Grant Consultancy, was invited by the RICS to make the case for planning as the central element to securing sustainable communities.

Sustainable communities have some measurable characteristics. Delivery of all of them would provide some form of housing nirvana, but places where people want to live and stay will each exhibit some of these characteristics to a greater or lesser extent.

• Sustainable communities are active, inclusive and safe with a strong local culture where people are tolerant of each other;
• They are well run with effective participation in community decision making;
• They are environmentally sensitive;
• New buildings are considerate to the environment and existing buildings are adapted to reduce their carbon footprint;
• The whole area – buildings, streetscape, open space – is well designed;
• There are good and effective communication links;
• There is a thriving economy;
• The area is served well with public, private, community and voluntary services that are accessible to all who live and work in the area; and,
• It is fair to everybody.

Whilst politicians have a responsibility to provide an appropriate framework, the community itself together with private and voluntary organisations are the key players in delivering sustainable communities.

RICS, along with the other members of the European Housing Forum, will continue to ensure that sustainable communities stay on the European agenda.

If you would like to have more information on the European Housing Forum or the conference in Dublin, please contact Sander Scheurwater e sscheurwater@rics.org.