Density and value: How much development can a regeneration project support and still make good places? Answer: It all depends on the local context

The need to create sustainable communities requires an understanding of the conditions that affect their economic viability, particularly those of local services. Policy measures relating to housing density relate to this viability, but the creation of quality places means complementing this with an understanding of local context. Adapting density targets to local character is qualified in the UK Government's new, spatial planning oriented 'Planning policy statement on housing' (PPS3). Failing to respect local character in the modern era has led to insertions that have become dysfunctional over time. Additional considerations of spatial context that relate to economic viability include movement patterns. Flexibility of the urban form to unanticipated uses is another. All these interrelated factors are important considerations for sustainable communities and are discussed in the context of recent regeneration projects in the UK.