Portsmouth, renowned for its naval history and vibrant culture, continues to be a highly desirable place to live. However, with approximately 13,120 people per square mile, concerns have arisen about potential overcrowding. But is Portsmouth truly overcrowded, or are these figures misleading?

Understanding Population Density

The United Kingdom, with a population density of around 1,065 people per square mile, is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Portsmouth, covering 15.54 square miles and home to roughly 204,100 residents, has a density of 13,120 people per square mile. This figure might seem concerning, but it’s important to compare it with even more densely populated areas, such as London’s Islington, which has around 38,000 people per square mile.

For a more relatable measure, Portsmouth’s density translates to approximately 20.5 residents per acre. While this is significant, it indicates that the situation, though challenging, may not be as severe as it might appear at first glance.

The Housing Shortage

The real issue in Portsmouth isn’t just population density but the ongoing shortage of housing. There aren’t enough homes to meet the increasing demand, putting considerable pressure on local services. Parents often find it difficult to secure places in their preferred schools for their children, and accessing local healthcare services is becoming increasingly problematic.

Despite recent housing developments, the number of homes being built in Portsmouth is still insufficient to meet demand. This housing shortage can be traced back to the early 1980s when local councils significantly reduced the number of homes they built. Before 1979, an average of 165,700 council homes were constructed annually across the UK. However, this number plummeted to 11,400 per year after 1979. Although the private sector has continued to build homes, it hasn’t been enough to make up for the decline in council housing.

In 2007, Prime Minister Tony Blair set a target of 240,000 new homes annually to keep pace with population growth. The Conservative government later adjusted this target to 200,000 homes. However, since 2012, the UK has only managed to build an average of 175,641 homes per year, exacerbating the housing crisis, especially in densely populated cities like Portsmouth.

The newly elected Labour government has announced an ambitious plan to build 300,000 homes annually. If realized, this could significantly alleviate the housing shortage nationwide, including in Portsmouth. However, questions remain about where these new homes will be built and whether there is sufficient land available.

Is There Space for All These New Homes?

Despite the perception that the UK is overcrowded, there is still ample space for new housing. A government report shows that residential properties occupy only 1.2% of England’s landmass. Including gardens, this rises to 4.7%. Here’s a breakdown of land use in England:

• Residential Houses and Flats: 1.2%
• Gardens: 3.5%
• Shops and Offices: 0.7%
• Highways (Roads and Paths): 2.3%
• Railways: 0.1%
• Water (Rivers and Reservoirs): 2.6%
• Industry, Military, and Other Uses: 1.4%
• Open Countryside: 88.3%

With 88.3% of England’s land being open countryside and 91.8% as green space (including gardens), there is plenty of room to build additional homes. Meeting the target of 300,000 new homes annually over the next 20 years would require only 0.3% of the country’s land.

Sustainable Development

To address Portsmouth’s housing crisis, sustainable development and innovative urban planning are essential. Large housing estates and towering apartment blocks are not the solution. Instead, creative approaches that blend with the existing landscape are needed. Mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces can create vibrant communities without encroaching on green spaces. Repurposing underutilized areas, such as old industrial sites, can also provide housing without expanding the city’s footprint. It is crucial that necessary infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities, accompanies new housing developments.

Final Thoughts

Portsmouth’s concerns about overcrowding are more complex than just population density. The real challenge lies in housing availability and efficient land use. With thoughtful urban development and modern technology, Portsmouth can accommodate its growing population without compromising the quality of life that makes it such a desirable place to live.

George Roach MARLA