I wrote in a previous column about the contest that often exists between housing density and the provision of public open space. I cited the case of the Birmingham inner-city neighbourhood of Ladywood. There, the residential density before the ruthless modernist comprehensive redevelopment of the 1950s and 60s was 65 dwellings per hectare (dph), made up entirely of two- and three-storey terraced houses. Following the redevelopment, which included seven 12- and 15-storey tower blocks, the density was reduced to 33 dph. Half the population had been relocated elsewhere.

Since that column was written, the Preferred Options Document of the new Birmingham Local Plan has been published for public consultation. It contains proposals for significant increases in housing density. Previously, the minimum figures for new residential developments were 100 dph in the city centre, 50 dph in local centres and areas well served by public transport, and 40 dph elsewhere. Historically, Birmingham has been suspicious of high densities and has favoured low-density developments. This is now changing due to pressures to house a growing population and to meet standards of sustainable development.

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