On October 15, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant boost to the housing sector through the allocation of £68 million to 54 councils. This investment, part of the Brownfield Land Release Fund, aims to revitalise neglected brownfield sites across the country and support the construction of over 5,200 homes. The move is part of the government’s broader commitment “to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding”, as outlined by Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook, in order to tackle the current housing crisis and meet Labour’s ambition of building 1.5 million homes.
(Source: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire/PA Images)
Unlocking Potential in Brownfield Sites
Brownfield sites – land that has previously been developed but is no longer in use - often require extensive preparation before they can be transformed into residential areas. These lands are typically in poor condition, requiring decontamination and infrastructure upgrades. The new funding will cover costs associated with clearing disused buildings, removing contaminants and upgrading essential infrastructure like water, power and internet connections. These improvements will make once-unusable sites viable for development and help reduce the number of vacant, derelict spaces in local communities.
This initiative has been designed to combat the issue of urban decay while also addressing housing shortages, demonstrating the government's commitment “to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding”, as stated by Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook.
Funding Allocation: Key Projects
Several councils across the country will receive a portion of the £68 million to kickstart housing projects on their brownfield sites. Some of the key projects include:
Manchester: £2.9 million will be used to develop 220 affordable homes on a vacant brownfield site.
Eastbourne: £2.2 million is allocated to transform a former industrial site into 100 new homes, including 80 affordable units.
Weston-Super-Mare: Over £1.7 million will allow for the construction of more than 100 homes on previously unused land in the town centre.
Northampton: £1.4 million will fund the transformation of a former bus depot into 72 new homes.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer underscored the government’s commitment to housebuilding, stating that “this government is on the side of the builders, not the blockers”. This is exemplified by Homes England’s £30 million investment toward the regeneration of Riverside Sunderland. This project will convert the area from an industrial zone into a vibrant community with around 1,000 new homes, community infrastructure and office spaces designed to support 8,000 to 10,000 jobs.
Driving Housing Development Forward
In addition to the Brownfield Land Release Fund, the UK government has introduced several new measures to accelerate housebuilding:
Reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): A consultation is underway to overhaul the planning system, which includes setting mandatory housebuilding targets for local councils. This aims to streamline planning approval processes and expedite construction.
New Homes Accelerator Group: This group has been launched to resolve issues that cause delays in the construction of homes that are either stuck in the planning system or partially built.
Brownfield Passports: A new policy that ensures automatic planning permission for brownfield sites that meet design and quality standards, simplifying the approval process.
New Towns Taskforce: As part of a long-term vision, the government is planning large-scale communities with at least 10,000 homes each.
Moreover, in a further boost to the housing sector, tens of thousands of new homes will be built across Britain, supported by over £550 million in impact investments - funds aimed at generating positive social or environmental change. Within the UK these investments have grown to a substantial £76.8 billion in assets under management.
Conclusion
The government’s plan to unlock brownfield sites is a bold step in addressing the UK’s housing crisis. By revitalising neglected areas, expediting the planning process and leveraging impact investments, the UK is positioning itself for a surge in housing development. This strategy not only aims to meet housing demands but also to enhance local communities and support long-term economic growth. With over 5,200 homes set to be built across the country, and more ambitious targets on the horizon, the future of UK housebuilding is set on a promising path.
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At Bluestone Planning we not only specialise in securing planning permissions for brownfield developments and urban regeneration projects but also in guiding clients through the complexities of planning frameworks. Our team is well-versed in navigating policy changes, helping you understand new opportunities while ensuring that projects align with local and national planning objectives. Whether you are looking to develop underused sites or optimise urban land use we can provide expert guidance on how impending government policies and initiatives may affect your land use plans.
For more information on how we can assist with your development projects or making the most of the government’s brownfield-first approach to housebuilding, contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk
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