Brownfield land map tool will help tackle the housing crisis

Local authorities must do more to enable development within our existing communities

The National Housing Federation (NHF) has identified and mapped more than 17,000 brownfield sites, totalling around 27,700 hectares, which could provide space for more than 961,000 homes.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) thinks that this tool has the potential to help tackle the housing crisis, when applied on a wider scale. The NFB, however, would urge commentators and decision makers to use this tool to better understand the challenges posed by the housing crisis, rather than assuming it shows nearly a million homes can be delivered.

In Brighton, only 12 out of 162 identified brownfield sites are publicly owned, equating to a minimum of 773 homes.

In Sheffield, the local authority could deliver up to 6,310 homes on 81 publicly-owned brownfield sites. A total of 300 sites have been identified in the region, which could see 22,194 new homes constructed.

The tool also uses data from out-of-date local plans. For example, in Horley (Surrey), a car park owned by the local authority has the potential to deliver 30 homes, despite serving residents, high street shoppers, commuters and local businesses.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “This tool is another example of the private sector rising to the housing challenge. It may not give the full brownfield story, but it serves as a reminder that local authorities must do more to enable development within our existing communities.

Rico Wojtulewicz, senior policy advisor of the House Builders Association (HBA), added: “There are a large number of brownfield sites not included in this tool, as well as sites that are not deliverable. Mapping them helps the entire housing supply chain understand how complex land ownership and sites allocations really are.

Shared by: National Federation of Builders

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Sandbanks crowned most expensive seaside spot

New data from Rightmove shows that Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset is the most expensive coastal area in Great Britain, with an average asking price of £1,282,565 Canford Cliffs in Poole is second, with an average asking price of £974,635, and Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire is third (£728,460) Sandbanks is now the only seaside spot above £1million:…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove’s Weekly Mortgage Tracker – 01/07/25

Average rates for 2-year and 5-year fixed-rate mortgages   Term Average rate Weekly change Yearly change 2-year fixed 4.57% -0.05% -0.83% 5-year fixed 4.55% -0.04% -0.45%   Lowest rates for 2-year and 5-year fixed-rate mortgages   Term Lowest rate Weekly change Yearly change 2-year fixed 3.69% -0.13% -0.98% 5-year fixed 3.87% -0.01% -0.36%   Average…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report Covering May 2025

Sales On average, there were around 11.5 homes placed for sale per member branch in May 2025. Lettings The average void period reported by member agents increased to just over three weeks in May 2025. We are seeing an average of 37% of housing transactions taking longer than 17 weeks to complete. The timescales are…
Read More
Breaking News

Rental Market Hotspots Drive National Growth

New analysis from FCC Paragon reveals modest national growth in rental demand across England in Q2 2025, up by 1.2% to 29.4%. However, this overall increase masks significant regional variation, with several counties experiencing substantial quarterly surges that are driving the market forward. The research shows that rental demand across England strengthened in Q2, up 1.2%…
Read More
Breaking News

Nationwide House Price Index for June 2025 – Thoughts from the Industry

Nationwide House Price Index for June 2025 shows House prices fell by -0.8% between May and June of this year. On an annual basis, the average house price increased by 2.1% although this rate of growth had slowed from 3.5% the previous month. As a result, the average UK house price now sits at £271,619.…
Read More
Breaking News

Clarity still needed on key areas in Renters’ Rights Bill

Ahead of Report Stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill in the House of Lords later today, 1 July 2025, Propertymark is urging the UK Government and Peers to amendment Bill, so it is fit for purpose. There remain long-standing concerns about the capacity and capability of the Courts, with the time from claim to hearing…
Read More