Where Is The Nicest Place To Live In Britain?

Recent research by the Joseph Rowntree foundation has indicated that the area of Bourneville, located to the south of Birmingham is the nicest place to live in Britain. Tenants of Bourneville were more likely to describe the area as pleasant than those of other areas, in addition, they made fewer complaints about disruptive neighbours. Originally developed by George Cadbury [of Cadburys chocolate fame] as an area to house the workers of his factories, Bourneville was the first purpose built community in Britain. Cadbury believed that the area developed should improve the quality of workers lives, and thus make them more productive and loyal. As a consequence, the 1,000 acre site only contains 7,800 homes, each with large gardens, and 100 acers of communal parks and gardens. It is believed that these factors, along with excellent services, are responsible for making Bourneville such a pleasant place to live, and that in turn resident are more likely to commit to the area's prosperity.

Interestingly, Cadbury, who was Quaker, insisted that no public houses were built in Bourneville, a point which is still upheld today.