There's a simple arithmetical logic at work. Build more unaffordable and not always architecturally sympathetic apartments, watch the rents rise, the tarts leave, the small shops, production offices and design studios close down, and hey presto, we have another fashionable London suburb indistinguishable from the rest.

Howard Jacobson’s quote critiques the urban development strategy that prioritizes the construction of unaffordable apartments in cities like London. He points out the simple arithmetical logic behind such projects: as more high-end, expensive housing is built, rents inevitably rise, driving out local residents, small businesses, and creative spaces like design studios. The result is a cycle where once-vibrant neighborhoods lose their character and uniqueness, becoming just another fashionable suburb that looks the same as all the others.

Jacobson’s statement suggests that this type of development leads to the gentrification of neighborhoods, where the local community and diverse businesses are displaced by more affluent residents and chain stores. This process erases the distinctiveness of the area, making it part of a homogenous and less culturally rich landscape. The phrase "watch the rents rise, the tarts leave" illustrates how affordable and alternative elements of a community are priced out by new developments that cater to wealthier residents.

The mention of the neighborhoods becoming "indistinguishable from the rest" reflects Jacobson’s dismay over the loss of diversity and the unique character of city districts. He argues that the focus on building luxurious, high-cost apartments dilutes the essence of the area, turning it into just another part of a sprawling, uniform cityscape with no individual charm. His observation calls for more thoughtful urban planning that preserves the cultural and economic diversity of neighborhoods.

The origin of this quote comes from Howard Jacobson’s perspective as an author and social commentator known for his sharp critique of modern social and urban issues. Jacobson often addresses themes of identity, class, and economic disparity, and his critique of gentrification highlights the broader impacts of urban development on local communities. This quote serves as a commentary on how unchecked development can lead to the homogenization of cities, erasing their unique cultural fabric.