Two of the biggest worries we have about the future – both nationally and personally – concern pensions and housing. Rumours that we are facing a pensions shortfall are causing headaches for ministers and workers alike. At the same time, the shortage of housing, particularly in the south-east, is a concern shared by everybody.
However, nobody can agree on what the best solution is to the housing problem. Some people are horrified at the thought of building on greenfield sites, while others believe that homelessness is a more serious priority than preserving the “lungs” of a city.
This balancing act between our need for a place to live and our need for green spaces has led to some lateral solutions. One is for homeowners to develop housing in their gardens. This could bring in a lot of money for the homeowner as well as going towards solving the housing shortage. If you have a house in a large plot of land, your pension could be lurking at the bottom of your garden.
Kit James is head of the development team at Knight Frank’s Oxford office. He believes that developing your garden could be one of the best ways of achieving financial security.
He said: “With pensions now a great concern to a great number of people, we should consider the potential of our homes. This can often be a better alternative than releasing the capital in your home by remortgaging.”
Greenfield sites are a controversial topic at present, but everybody involved in planning struggles to find alternatives to encroaching on the green belt. Redevelopment is now the priority for both national and local government, which means that planners are also more interested in brownfield.
City infill is the buzzword, and many people believe that the focus should be on increasing housing density rather than letting new developments sprawl into the countryside.
Of course, it is never as simple as that. David Rundle, a member of Oxford City Council’s housing scrutiny committee, explains the problem.
My personal view is that everyone knows we have a housing problem, and we have to look at all radical solutions. But we have to make sure it is sensitive to existing communities and helps to build sustainable communities. People have to breathe, and intensification of development could be over-development.
Tony Hollander, of the city council’s strategic development control committee, agrees: “Intensification changes the social structure and the landscape of an area. In some senses it is satisfying a real need, but there are social, practical and aesthetic considerations to take into account.”
But where exactly would garden developments be welcome?
“In Oxfordshire, it could work in the majority of places, particularly in built-up areas,” said Kit James. “In Oxford itself, the main areas would be North Oxford and some parts of Headington. People need to think laterally.”
One excellent example of how city infill can work creatively is Walton Well House in Jericho, Oxford, which is being marketed by Kemp & Kemp for £750,000. The house is on the site of the old community well for Jericho, and part of the original well is in the courtyard garden.
The aim was to make sure the house blends into the street without aspiring to be from the same period as its neighbours. This was achieved by building a traditional four-storey townhouse with mellow-coloured brickwork and a clean, bright look, both inside and outside. The sheer amount of space explodes the myth that city infill creates small homes.
Tony Hollander cites Walton Well House as an example of a new house which works well with its surroundings. “It enhances the streetscene, taking its cue from its neighbours.”
But could something like this be created in your garden? How do you know that you have the right kind of space, and how do you know that your plans will be approved?
David Rundle warned: “This is not a simple solution. There are a lot of hurdles to jump over.”
Kit James added: “Getting planning permission takes a few months and can sometimes be a minefield for those not used to the procedures. But Knight Frank is always happy to provide advice. We can give a quick initial overview to find out whether or not it is feasible, and if you decide to go ahead with getting planning permission, we can help with the whole process, from initial advice to helping you market the site or the completed property.” A free consultation is available from Knight Frank if you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to take the plunge.
It may sound like a crazy idea, giving up the garden for a new neighbour, but it might also be an excellent way of ensuring financial security. As Kit James said: “Property is most people’s major asset, and a lot of people aren’t as proactive about it as they could be.”