This wonderful city, with its rich heritage, stunning architecture and deep-rooted history has always been an attractive place to live. However, there has been recent concern that suggests the whole of the UK and thus Bath, may be facing a population crisis, impacting the quality of life for its current and potential future residents.
With 10,128 people living in Bath per square mile, the city appears to be bursting at the seams. However, is Bath truly overcrowded, or are these figures misleading?
UNDERSTANDING POPULATION DENSITY –
To put things in perspective, the UK has a population density of approximately 1,065 people per square mile. This makes it the second most densely populated country in Europe. If we then zoom into the local area, Bath covers a 9.4 square mile area and has a population of 94,800 people. This translates to 10,128 people per square mile. Now this sounds like an extremely high figure at first glance. However, for comparison, there are 33,465 people per square mile in the Lambeth Council Area in London.
However, back in Bath, let’s break down these figures further. A square mile is a large area and is hard to comprehend, so let’s break it down into acres. 1 Acre is 64m² and is a more relatable unit of measure.
So with this in mind, Bath has an average of 14.43 residents per acre, as Bath covers 6,570 acres.
THE HOUSING SHORTAGE –
The real issue within the city at the moment isn’t just the number of residents in the area, it is the lack of available housing in the market.
To put it simply, there isn’t enough housing to accommodate everyone who wants to live in the city. This shortage is placing immense pressure on public services. Many parents end up struggling to secure their first choice of primary or secondary school for their children, and being able to find a local GP or dentist with available appointments is becoming increasingly difficult.
You would think that with all the new developments being built in and around the city, there would be plenty of new homes. The truth is that even with this number of new homes being built we still aren’t building enough. So why is this?
The source of the issue began back in the 1980s when councils stopped building houses. Before 1979, an average of 147,000 private homes were being built yearly. Since then, around 153,000 private homes have been built per year, which is not a lot different. However, the disparity comes when we look at the amount of homes councils were building per year before and after 1979. Pre 1979, councils were building an average of 165,000 homes per year, and since 1979 they have only been building 11,400 per year, a stark contrast.
In 2007, then Prime Minster, Tony Blair set out a target of 240,000 new homes per year to keep pace with population growth. The conservative government then adjusted this target to 200,000 homes per year. However, since 2012, the UK has been building only 175,641 homes per year. This shortfall has exacerbated the housing crisis, particularly in densely populated cities such as Bath.
Since their landslide victory in the recent general election, the new Labour government has announced ambitious plans to build 300,000 new homes per year. This new initiative aims to address the housing shortfall and improve housing affordability across the country.
The government’s commitment to this large-scale construction project reflects its focus on boosting the housing supply and supporting communities that are in need of new homes. However, assuming they find the people to build all these new homes, where are they going to be building them?
IS THERE SPACE FOR ALL THESE NEW HOUSES?
One might be left to wonder, if the government plans to build that many houses, where are they going to fit on a seemingly crowded island?
Interestingly, a recent government report reveals that residential properties cover only 1.2% of England’s landmass, increasing to 4.7% when we include these properties’ land and gardens. So, as well as homes, how is the rest of the land used in England:
- Residential Houses and Flats: 1.2%
- Gardens: 3.5%
- Shops and Offices: 0.7%
- Highways (Roads and Paths): 2.3%
- Railways: 0.1%
- Water (Rivers and Reservoirs): 2.6%
- Industry, Military, and Other Uses: 1.4%
- Open Countryside: 88.3%
This means that 88.3% of the land remains open countryside. If we factor in gardens, which are green spaces, the country is 91.8% green space. Thus, if we were to adopt the 300,000 annual target for the next 20 years, there is ample room to build those additional six million homes, and it would occupy only 0.3% of the country’s land.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
Focusing back on Bath, the key to solving Bath’s housing crisis lies in sustainable development and innovative urban planning. Massive housing estates and towering apartment blocks are not the answer for this city. Instead, we need to consider creative solutions that allow these new developments to seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape here in and around the city.
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY:
Modern technology can also play a significant role in addressing modern housing challenges. For example, prefabricated and modular homes can be constructed quickly and efficiently and reduce the strain on resources. These types of homes can be designed to be environmentally friendly, incorporating energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.
Furthermore, advancements in urban planning software also allow for better simulation and planning of new developments, ensuring that they are both efficient and harmonious with the surrounding environment.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Public engagement and community involvement are crucial in addressing Bath’s current housing needs. Bath residents should have a say in how their neighbourhoods evolve. Collaborative planning can lead to more acceptable sustainable solutions. Fostering a sense of ownership of these developments can create pride among residents when developments are community-driven and with their local interests in mind.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Bath’s apparent overcrowding is a complex issue that goes beyond mere numbers. While the city does have a high population density, the real challenge lies in the availability of housing and the efficient use of space.
By rethinking urban development and leveraging modern technology, Bath can accommodate its growing population without sacrificing the quality of life that makes it such an appealing place to live.
What are your thoughts on the matter? We would love to hear from you.
