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Between 300,000 and 400,000 new homes could be created by converting empty spaces above high street shops, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
The FMB report, Homes on our High Streets, suggests that there is “significant untapped potential” to create additional homes above retail space.
It says this would also help rejuvenate town centres by increasing footfall and consumer demand.
In a survey of 51 MPs, the FMB found that 94% thought converting empty spaces could help reverse the current housing shortage, while 89% thought that converting space above retail units would also boost growth in their constituency.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Our research highlights the opportunities that exist for creating new homes in a range of different building types. It demonstrates what could be achieved by innovative and ambitious development. What we must avoid is perfectly good space lying empty and achieving nothing in terms of boosting the local economy or housing individuals and families.”
The report focused on six case studies – Bishop Stortford, Bridgend, Castleford, Harrow, Motherwell and Stratford-upon-Avon – which the FMB said are representative of the challenges and opportunities small and medium-sized towns face.
A spokesperson for East Herts Council, where Bishops Stortford is situated, told Inside Housing: “In principle we would support the reuse of vacant spaces above town centre units.
“We are likely to need thousands of new homes in the district in the next 15 years. This won’t all come from the conversion of vacant space above retail units – but it is acknowledged that it will play a part.”
It concluded councils need to include proposals to make use of empty spaces in planning documents, involve the local community in redevelopment schemes, and find ways to overcome barriers such as disparate property ownership and limited building access.