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4,000 homeowners could herald new era in British development by commissioning their own architects
Ellen Bennett
Greenbelt development could be given a massive boost by revolutionary plans to earmark thousands of homes for self- commissioning, where homeowners get to choose their own architects and designs.
A potential model for combating opposition to new homes on previously undeveloped land is being mooted in Harlow, where the first phase of a 25,000-home urban extension is now being debated at public inquiry, with an inspector's report expected in the next two weeks.
The developer - Ropemaker Properties, the property arm of BP's pension fund - believes the scheme must meet the highest standards of sustainability to justify its development on greenfield land to the...