The group discussed the challenges of large-scale data collection for completed schemes and how this can be a costly exercise. To meaningfully understand the impact of new housing, it is equally important to also understand baseline perceptions of existing housing. The group talked about organisations that undertake regular evaluation of their properties, such as large build to rent providers who collect extensive operational data as it is so fundamental to their business model. The feedback is important to them as it helps to improve resident retention and maintain occupancy.  Understanding how commercial landlords evaluate performance would be a valuable exercise across the housing sector and across all tenures. 

Different panel members shared their experiences of post occupancy evaluation (POE) data collection where typically surveys targeted around 10% of residents and examine energy performance and lived experience. POE can be done in a relatively ad hoc way and the group questioned whether a more standardised approach would make it a more meaningful exercise. Previous iterations of funding programmes have required POE and the merits of incorporating some post completion evaluation as a planning requirement for large residential schemes was talked about. 

Discussions around the evaluation of completed schemes led to the group challenging some of the assumptions that inform widely accepted housing design standards. There can be a tick box approach to some design standards without those that require it truly understanding its purpose. There was a consensus that the planning and design of schemes inevitably requires some flexibility and an understanding that it is difficult to achieve all requirements. The group noted that even schemes that have full compliance with design standards and guidance can still disappoint residents at occupation! 

Housing diversity was also a core theme for the group recognising the significant challenges that the housing industry faces at the moment. Participants discussed the need to ensure that housing products serve families and key workers who want to remain in London. These groups are now frequently reliant on the private rental sector for their long term housing which can have wide reaching impacts for the city. The GLA's recently-launched ‘Key Worker Rent’ prospectus and an upcoming report on first-time buyer family housing were highlighted as important contributions to this agenda.  The importance of mixed-tenure developments was recognised as vital for creating balanced communities, yet participants acknowledged that delivering intermediate housing can be more challenging than other affordable models in the current economic climate. 

The group concluded with a shared ambition to highlight the importance of a sound evidence base that can be used to inform housing design and ensuring that policies, standards and evaluation of new housing remain focused on residents’ everyday experience, rather than compliance alone.