Why is the Estate Management Scheme important today?

Property valuations are often determined by the settings in which properties are located. Quite simply, inappropriate developments, poor quality alterations to buildings and the erosion of the special character of the environment lead to the lowering of values both in visual and economic terms.

The challenge with Garden City settlements is how to manage change whilst at the same time ensuring that the fundamental aesthetics, amenities and values of the Garden City remain intact. This is important, not just in visual terms, but also because Garden City settlements provide evidence for the ongoing debate about housing provision in the UK and the creation of sustainable communities.