A new housing market renewal plan (MRP) for delivering successful places has been drawn up by CABE, English Heritage and the Sustainable Development Commission.

The public housing network partners have looked at the results of the previous plans and have reported on the successes and failures of the programme so far, in addition to suggesting new directions.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment said the new plan proposes a shift in the agenda for those working in the public sector away from housing, and towards "a broad-based, design-led regeneration programme, with placemaking at its heart".

However, it said progress and sustainable efficiencies made so far may not continue if public authorities "lose their nerve" with the market downturn, and allow developers to use the pressures as an excuse for poor design.

In the past five years of the programme 1,100 new homes have been built and 40,000 homes have been refurbished, at a cost of £1.2 billion of public money.

More about network partners.