Video games including Minecraft and The Sims could play a role in tackling planning disputes, encouraging housebuilding and attracting more young people into property and construction careers, according to a House of Lords committee.
A new report from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee argues that children and young people should be given a greater voice in shaping the places where they live, learn and work.
The cross-party committee concluded that early and meaningful engagement with younger generations can help create better developments, reduce opposition to new projects and strengthen community trust.
It also found that involving young people earlier in the planning process could help address long-term skills shortages across the built environment sector.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The committee highlighted concerns that the UK’s systems for educating, engaging and listening to young people about the built environment remain fragmented and inconsistent, despite examples of good practice across the country.
Among its recommendations is greater use of digital tools and video games to connect with younger audiences.
The committee heard evidence that games such as Minecraft, The Sims and Assassin’s Creed often provide a first introduction to concepts including design, construction, placemaking and world-building.
Peers concluded that government, educators and the built environment sector should embrace these platforms as a practical way of engaging a digitally connected generation.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
The committee noted that the UK is approaching one million young people aged between 16 and 24 who are not in education, employment or training, while the built environment sector continues to face significant shortages of planners, construction professionals and skilled trades.
It argues that exposing children and young people to the sector at an earlier age could help challenge stereotypes, raise awareness of career opportunities and encourage more entrants into the industry.
ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE
Lord Gascoigne (main picture, inset), Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, says: “If we want to tackle the so-called NIMBY versus YIMBY debate, if we want to grow the economy and build more homes, if we want people to feel they are shaping their own communities then looking at ways of engaging and involving young people is an enormous step forward.”
He adds: “Children and young people care about the built environment and effective engagement with them can help to reduce commercial and planning risk and create sustainable, cohesive places.
“It is also crucial that young people are engaged with in a manner they understand.”
The committee believes that stronger engagement could not only improve the quality of future developments but also help build the workforce needed to deliver the homes, infrastructure and communities the UK requires in the years ahead.
