A petition has been launched expressing concern that the current administration in Bristol may be considering high-rise tower blocks as a solution to the housing shortage. Tower blocks are currently proposed in nearby Windmill Hill [see http://www.whambristol.org.uk/] and Temple Quarter [Bristol Development and Investment Hotspots, 2017]. The aim of the petition is to provide an opportunity to discuss the issue in full council: a debate would require at least 3,500 signatures from people who live in Bristol. Details of the petition are below.
“High-rise accommodation is not a good solution to the current housing shortage: it is associated with problems for mental health and well-being, higher levels of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, poor maintenance, and less community cohesion.
“High-density housing can be achieved without resorting to high-rise. Tower blocks are more expensive to build than high-density low-rise options. Tower blocks are also more expensive to maintain, leading to concerns about safety standards. Bristol needs more human-scale residential accommodation that supports healthy communities.”
Background information
Bristol needs good quality, affordable homes to help with the housing crisis. High density residential accommodation can play an important role in providing homes but does not have to be high-rise. Research shows:
• Multi-storey housing is associated with poor social outcomes even when socio-economic conditions are comparable
• Residents of high-rise blocks suffer more stress and mental health difficulties
• Children living in high-rise accommodation suffer more stress and behavioural problems, are less likely to play outside, and spend more time playing alone or in restricted play
• Death by suicide is higher in high-rise accommodation
• Communal areas of high-rise estates are more likely to be vandalised and suffer anti-social behaviour
• Crime and fear of crime are greater
• High-rise occupants are less likely to feel psychosocial benefits from living in their homes (such as safety, retreat and privacy)
• Fewer social interactions, and lower levels of perceived community cohesion, are associated with high-rise accommodation
• Multi-storey housing costs more to build than other high-density options
• Maintenance of high-rise accommodation is more complex and more expensive
References
1) Boys Smith N, Morton A. Create Streets Not just multi-storey estates. Policy Exchange, 2013.
2) GoWell. Glasgow Community Health and Wellbeing Research and Learning Programme. The effects of high-rise living within social rented housing areas in Glasgow. Briefing Paper 11, April 2011.
3) Gifford R. The Consequences of Living in High-Rise Buildings. Architectural Science Review, March 2007.