A survey conducted by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) of the owners of 2,500 private new homes revealed that private homes do not provide enough space to prepare food easily, have friends round for dinner or find a quiet place to relax.
All of the residents surveyed lived in flats, houses or bungalows that had been built between 2003 and 2006.
The findings from the survey found that in all households:
- 44% said that there wasn't enough space for small children to play safely in the kitchen while meals are being prepared
- 47% don't have enough space for all the furniture they have, or would like to have
- 35% said they didn't have enough kitchen space for the appliances they needed, such as a toaster or a microwave
- 37% said they or their children do not have enough space to entertain guests privately
- 57% don't have enough storage
- 72% said they did not have enough space for the three small bins required to recycle properly
CABE believes that the implications of these findings are wide-reaching. Increased space in homes has direct implications on health and well-being, education and recycling. For example, dining as a family could encourage healthier eating habits and stronger family relationships.
Children without space to entertain friends will do so outside the home, beyond parental supervision. Privacy at home is vital too - there are links between lack of space and mental health and well-being.
The government's 2007 Waste Strategy for England includes a target for 40% of household waste to be recycled by 2010. Without the space for waste separation such targets will be very hard to meet.
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