Many reasons have been cited for the challenges in our housing system – obstructive planning, land banking, a shortage of construction capacity – little consensus has emerged. Greater consensus has been reached on the benefits of mixed-tenure developments. Since the 1970s, it's been generally accepted that creating more diverse, cohesive and integrated communities underpins long-term sustainable places.
Much research is now emerging on the socio-economic benefits of mixed-tenure areas, benefits that have been assumed for many years, not least due to the strong moral case. While many mixed-tenure neighbourhoods have emerged in recent years, there's more to be done and the symbiotic relationship between mixed-use areas and mixed-tenure living has perhaps been less emphasised than it might.