ABSTRACT
In Chapter 6 the issue of quality versus quantity was discussed in the context of delay and systems of measuring the effectiveness of the planning process. The issue highlights a persistent pressure for those charged with the delivery of new homes – to what extent does a concern for delivering high-quality homes undermine the objective of delivering more homes, faster? Thus planning authorities are under tremendous pressure to meet the housing targets established for their areas; housebuilders are under pressure to turn their capital around more quickly by building and selling homes faster; and housing associations and housing departments within local authorities are concerned to meet often chronic housing needs locally and a widespread under-provision of housing in their sector. All these pressures can all too easily act to undermine the delivery of higherquality more sustainable development, as short-term priorities focus on the quantity of houses rather than their quality.
