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Philosopher to chair government commission on the ‘importance of beauty’ in new housing

The government is setting up an official commission chaired by a conservative political philosopher to “raise the level of debate regarding the importance of beauty” in new housing development.

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Philosopher to chair government commission on the “importance of beauty” in new housing #ukhousing

The new Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission (BBBBC) will be tasked by government with discussing “the importance of design and style” in new housing developments.

It will be chaired by Sir Roger Scruton, a philosopher best known for his writings on the importance of traditional conservative values.


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In a press release the government says it hopes the commission will develop “a vision” for more beautiful housing which will help ensure the support of communities.

The government has recently carried out a major review of planning policy and published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

It said the new commission would be “taking that work further” by “expanding on the ways in which the planning system can encourage and incentivise a greater emphasis on design”.

“[The commission] will raise the level of debate regarding the importance of beauty in the built environment,” the government said.

It has three aims:

  • To promote better design and style of homes, villages, towns and high streets, to reflect what communities want
  • To explore how new settlements can be developed with greater community consent
  • To make the planning system work in support of better design and style

James Brokenshire, housing secretary, said: “This commission will kick-start a debate about the importance of design and style.”

A Policy Exchange report, co-written by Sir Roger, calling for a greater emphasis on ‘beauty’ in the planning system was published over the summer.

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