Property, Planning and Protest: The Contentious Politics of Housing Supply

The struggle for the right to housing is a battle over property rights and land use, and Property, Planning and Protest investigates public opposition to housing and real estate development. It recognizes the conflict between communities and real estate capital as a struggle over land and property rights and advocates for a democratic plan-led system that allocates land for social and environmental goals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The right to housing is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses various aspects of property rights and land use. It is a fundamental human need, as access to safe and secure housing is essential for the well-being and dignity of individuals and families. However, the availability of housing is often limited by factors such as scarcity of land, high costs of construction, and political and economic inequalities.

To address this issue, there is a need to recognize land as a common right. This means that everyone should have access to land, regardless of their social status, income, or ethnicity. This recognition would enable communities to develop affordable housing, promote sustainable land use, and ensure that land is used for the benefit of all.

Property, Planning, and Protest is a groundbreaking investigation into public opposition to housing and real estate development. It offers a compelling materialist approach to understanding the political economy of land value and the conflict between communities and real estate capital. The book recognizes the struggle over land and property rights as a central aspect of the broader social movement seeking democratic representation in land-use decisions.

The book explores the role of amenity groups in this movement, which advocate for a democratic plan-led system that allocates land for social and environmental goals. It situates this movement in a history of land reform and common rights, providing a persuasive new vision of democratic planning and affordable housing for all.

One of the key arguments of the book is that the current system of property development and planning is dominated by private interests and corporate power. This leads to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while leaving many communities marginalized and excluded from the benefits of urban development. The book argues that democratic planning and affordable housing can help to address these inequalities by ensuring that land is used for the public good and that communities have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Another important aspect of the book is its focus on the role of community resistance and activism in the struggle for housing rights. It highlights the importance of grassroots movements and community organizations in challenging the dominant narratives and policies that perpetuate housing inequality. The book provides examples of successful community-led initiatives that have led to the development of affordable housing, the protection of green spaces, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Property, Planning, and Protest is a vital contribution to the ongoing debate about housing rights and land use. It offers a compelling materialist approach to understanding the political economy of land value and the conflict between communities and real estate capital. The book provides a persuasive vision of democratic planning and affordable housing for all, and highlights the importance of community resistance and activism in the struggle for housing rights. By recognizing land as a common right and promoting a democratic plan-led system, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to safe and secure housing.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032206356