The results of two recent studies have called into question government policies encouraging higher densities and a higher proportion of apartments. HBF-commissioned research has found that small households do not necessarily desire small homes and will opt for large three or four-bedroom homes if they have a choice. Also, a MORI poll for CABE discovered that 60% of people desire a detached house over any other dwelling type. <p></p><p>This suggests that current PPG3 policies are out of tune with people’s aspirations. Demand for detached dwellings must of course be balanced with the need to protect the greenbelt and prevent urban sprawl. But perhaps the balance is weighted too heavily against the goals of young people, who look set to miss out on ever owning the homes they desire if present policies are perpetuated. </p><p>The modern methods of construction agenda is another area in which government policies and the market are not always in tune. In this month’s MMC-focused issue (see pages 24-34), we ask housebuilders what they really think of MMC, what methods they are introducing and what works. </p><p>“The government should not prescribe and dictate what methods to use. We know what is best for each site and what …