Modern housing

That is, I think unusual. In our neck of the woods builders and planners seem to allow a disproportionate amount of land for public spaces so that new estates look spacious while cramming tiny little houses cheek by jowl with what can only be described as back yards rather than back gardens.

I sometimes think that the reason modern children are inactive is not just technology but because with a backyard too small to play in unless they have reached an age where they can safely play 'out' they have no alternative to playing indoors. I am so glad DS and family were able to buy a 1930s semi because it has a reasonable sized garden and has, as D 6 year old GD whispered to me at the weekend, 'lots of places to hide'

ninathenanna The developers get as much as they can from the land don't they and I think they expect everyone to have their own built in "sat-nav's" to be able to navigate off these new developments,I remember working for Wimpey's years ago and the concenious was that you had to paint your garage door a differant colour to remember where your house was.
I'm so glad your family are happy in their new home it is lovely when they are all settled in isn't it.

Developers obviously make the most of the space but the ultimate decision on the layout of a new development is with the local Planner. They invariably ask for demand that the developer finances play areas, schools, sports fields/pavilions, upgrades of local amenities or roads etc.... Having been married to a developer/architect, I have seen many a beautifully planned development hacked to pieces by a Planner demanding more and smaller houses, less road parking space, and narrow pavements, in lieu of the original spaciously planned units and layout. So, it isn't always the fault or greed of the developer, although I agree that there are many unscrupulous builders out there with £ signs flashing in front of their eyes!