The programme of this conference moves from the general to the particular. The first session looks at some of the historic obstacles to creating affordable housing. There is an overview of new policy developments, a critique of the state of the planning system, a survey of sources of finance for new development, and some forward thinking about the ‘assembly’ of larger brownfield sites. The second session looks at some innovative schemes which feature both new styles of housing and new types of occupant. The third session deals with issues around higher density and the last session brings together some of the most celebrated exponents of ‘sustainability’ to talk about their projects.