ABSTRACT
This chapter presents non-spatial and geographical issues which intrude into the otherwise selfcontained world of housing requirements. Housing and the economy may be seen to interact in a number of distinct, or at least distinguishable, ways. One aspect of the perception of the South East as a heavily pressured region is the existence of a simple but very persistent model of migration patterns. Affordability may seem a comparatively concern in planning policy. Issues of the effects of higher density, of the competition with open space and of the self-sufficiency or otherwise of new settlements all spring to mind as underdetermined. The social housing question has a special place in sustainable development. Short of a degree of social engineering that is unlikely to appeal, or a radical cultural shift, there is no reason to think that smaller dwellings will be the result of falling household size.
