Bigger ain't better after all

I was astounded to read about the £10m cost overrun on the Peabody Trust's BedZed scheme (9 January 2004, page 7). Until now, I have been a great fan of the scheme and its environmental focus. Further, I also note that Peabody is asking for a waiver on its rent restructuring targets so it can hit the decent homes standard (page 8-9).

All this at a time when the development programme for future housing schemes is being directed by government to the larger registered social landlords. Quite obviously from this news, they are more cost effective than smaller associations …

I run a small rural RSL with 250 units that is actively developing some very innovative schemes and setting many standards in our area. Are we unique in that we actually do what we say we are going to do, on time and within budget?

Not that long ago the Housing Corporation published a document entitled Small but Perfectly Informed.

Now, we are being told that if we want to continue to develop we are going to have to work with the large RSLs. I wonder whether we can afford to.

When is the current round of illogical policy direction going to come to an end?