Futures

Create Streets Advocates for Housing Development on Britain’s Excessively Wide Roads, (from page 20231010.)

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Summary

Create Streets proposes transforming Britain’s wide roads into housing to address the housing crisis and protect green belts. In their paper, “Moving Towards Growth: Why it’s time to build on Britain’s roadbelt,” they suggest replacing multi-lane roads with narrower streets and homes, promoting community development. The organization highlights the need for ‘human-scaled streets’ with amenities, arguing that current road expansions have plateaued in efficiency. They cite projects in Rochdale, Bedford, and Southend-on-Sea as examples of this initiative. Despite potential roadblocks, they emphasize that prioritizing community needs over traffic flow can lead to more sustainable urban development.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Transformation of Road Infrastructure Proposing to build homes on wide roads instead of expanding them. Shifting from car-centric infrastructure to community-oriented housing developments. Roads will be more integrated with residential areas, enhancing urban living and reducing dependence on cars. The urgent need to address the housing crisis while promoting sustainable urban planning. 4
Introduction of ‘Roadbelt’ Concept The creation of a new term ‘roadbelt’ to describe underutilized wide roads for housing. Redefining the use of space from transportation to community development. Roads will be reimagined as opportunities for housing, creating more livable urban environments. The need for innovative solutions to improve housing availability and urban design. 3
Focus on Human-Scaled Streets A push for narrower streets that foster community connectivity and local amenities. Transitioning from wide, impersonal roads to human-scaled, walkable neighborhoods. Urban environments will prioritize pedestrian access and community spaces over vehicular traffic. A collective desire for improved quality of life in urban settings. 4
Link Between Housing Crisis and Transport Planning Highlighting the connection between housing shortages and transportation infrastructure decisions. Recognizing that housing placement can impact transport and urban productivity. Integrated planning will lead to more efficient urban layouts that cater to both housing and transport needs. The need for holistic urban planning to tackle multiple societal issues simultaneously. 5
Resistance to Infrastructure Changes Identifying roadblocks like traffic modeling hindering innovative urban projects. From rigid traffic-focused planning to more flexible, community-oriented development approaches. Urban development will become more adaptable to community needs rather than solely traffic considerations. The push for a vision-led approach in urban planning that prioritizes community welfare. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Housing Crisis Integration The challenge of effectively integrating housing development with existing road infrastructure to address the housing crisis. 5
Traffic Flow Resistance Potential pushback from stakeholders concerned that reducing road lanes might worsen traffic congestion, hindering development. 4
Environmental Impact of Road Expansion Continuous widening of roads may contradict environmental goals, impacting efforts towards net-zero living standards. 4
Community Engagement in Urban Design Risk of neglecting community needs and preferences during urban redevelopment focused primarily on traffic efficiency. 4
Financial Viability Concerns Financial apprehensions from developers and local councils about investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure versus traditional road expansion. 3
Long-term Urban Planning The challenge of aligning short-term housing solutions with long-term urban planning and sustainable development goals. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Building on Roadbelts Transforming underutilized road spaces into residential areas to address housing shortages and enhance community living. 5
Human-Scaled Urban Design Advocating for streets that prioritize human experience over vehicle traffic, creating walkable and livable neighborhoods. 5
Integration of Amenities in Housing Developments Placing essential services like schools and shops within residential areas to reduce dependence on cars and promote walking and cycling. 4
Reimagining Traffic Infrastructure Reducing the size of roadways and enhancing their design to serve local communities better, rather than focusing solely on traffic flow. 4
Community-Centric Development Engaging local councils and communities in the planning process to ensure developments meet their needs and aspirations. 4
Sustainable Urban Growth Pursuing development strategies that balance housing needs with environmental sustainability, aiming for net-zero goals. 5
Policy Advocacy for Infrastructure Change Pushing for policy changes that facilitate innovative housing solutions on road spaces, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Roadbelt Development Transforming wide roads into housing and community spaces to address housing crises and improve urban living. 4
Human-Scaled Streets Designing streets that prioritize human interaction and accessibility over vehicle traffic for better local life. 5
Traffic Flow Modelling Innovation Developing new traffic models that accommodate community-focused designs rather than just vehicle efficiency. 3
Sustainable Urban Planning Creating urban environments that integrate housing, amenities, and transport to promote walking and cycling. 4
Boulevard Creation Redesigning roads into boulevards that enhance aesthetics and community engagement while reducing vehicle dominance. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Housing Crisis Solutions Proposals to build housing on existing wide roads as a response to the UK’s housing crisis. 5
Roadbelt Concept The idea of utilizing multi-lane roads for housing development, termed ‘roadbelt’, to balance urban planning and green spaces. 4
Human-Scaled Urban Design The push for ‘human-scaled streets’ that prioritize community living and amenities over car-centric infrastructure. 5
Transport and Urban Development Integration The need for integrated transport solutions that reduce reliance on cars and enhance walkability in urban designs. 4
Infrastructure Development Barriers Challenges in implementing new urban designs due to traffic flow concerns and outdated traffic modeling practices. 4
Sustainable Urban Living The focus on creating sustainable living environments through reduced road widths and increased housing density. 5