A new model of place-making and keeping? The emergence of ‘rentcharges’ on new residential housing estates in the United Kingdom

The emergence of ‘rentcharges’ on new residential estates within the United Kingdom has recently created significant debate amongst campaigners and regulators. This viewpoint discusses the role of, and implications for various areas of planning as well as examining the fairness of such charges. The articles then places the issue in the context of the retreat of the state in the place-making and -keeping of public spaces. It argues such charges are reflective of place-making objectives shifting from the longterm, ‘public interest’ towards those which reflect the objectives of private sector actors such as volume house builders and landowners.