Brownfield land map tool will help tackle the housing crisis

October 17, 2018

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The tool also uses data from out-of-date local plans.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

Breaking News

New analysis shows majority of estate agents complete HMRC AML registration

Just 5% of branches still need to register More than 24,000 UK estate agency branches have registered with HMRC for money laundering supervision – an increase of around 2,300 branches in just over a year, according to new analysis from client due diligence platform Thirdfort. Some 24,003 estate agent branches across the UK have registered…
Read More →
Breaking News

Gen Z could wait until 2044 to buy a home

Getting on the property ladder has never been tougher, and, for Gen Z, it could take up to 18 years to save a deposit in the UK’s least affordable cities, according to new research from Beswicks Legal, comparing 40 urban centres. The figures reveal that in places like Cambridge and London, Gen Z buyers may…
Read More →
Breaking News

Pressure on landlords takes shine off BTL rate cuts

Buy-to-let fixed rates dipped to their lowest points since September 2022, and choice rose to a record high, according to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk. However, landlords are facing financial challenges, and rumours of more tax reforms in the Budget could hit investors hard. •    Average buy-to-let fixed rates over two- or five-year have dipped to their lowest…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Three steps to pet-proof your property ahead of new pet laws

Landlords across the UK are set for one of the biggest shifts in rental regulation in years as the Renters’ Rights Bill edges closer to becoming law. While the bill aims to give tenants a greater right to keep a pet, a new analysis highlights the stark reality of demand versus supply: with a dog…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Budget-Friendly Ways to Boost Property Appeal

Upgrading a property’s appearance doesn’t always require a hefty budget. One of the most impactful yet affordable changes involves refreshing tired flooring, an element that potential buyers and tenants notice immediately upon entering a property. Carpet remnants have become a smart solution for cost-conscious property owners looking to make meaningful improvements, as they offer the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Naked tenants, basement brothels and maggot rain

When a company specialises in 24/7 property management support, it’s got to be ready to handle pretty much anything, as can be attested to by Adiuvo, whose managers have, on more than one occasion, received tenant requests that have caused them to pause and say, wait, what? Adiuvo has now pulled back the curtain on…
Read More →