Why do we need more homes?

We are already playing catch up to house the current population. Birth rates are up and we're living longer, and these trends aren't set to change any time soon.

We've also changed the way we live. Higher divorce rates means more families split between two homes. Younger people are choosing to live alone for longer. And better health means people can cope well into their eighties and beyond.

So over the last ten years, the Government has pursued a policy of brownfield development, transforming previously redundant sites in and around towns. Mills and factories have been converted into flats. Quarries and railway sidings have become housing estates.

But we're still not keeping up with the housing need. Some places just don't work because they cost too much to convert, or they're of no interest to businesses or house buyers. Even where we can build new homes in towns, we don't have the jobs to go with them because many employers aren't interested in inner-city locations.

Because of all this, the authorities are ready to consider growth on the edge of towns - but only when it's done in a way that minimises environmental impact and maximises the contribution to a place.

Nottinghamshire is setting the bar high for these 'Sustainable Urban Extensions'. They must embrace the best in urban design, strive towards excellent green building principles and cater for real people. That means homes, jobs and community facilities, brought forward in a planned, coordinated and coherent way.