Thousands of new homes are to be built as part of the government’s plans to get the country building again, create jobs and grow the economy as a multi-million-pound funding boost is given councils to unlock disused brownfield sites.
Some £68 million, announced today by the Prime Minister, will go directly to 54 councils who will be able to use the money to turn neglected land into new homes.
The funding will mean councils can clear empty buildings, former car parks and industrial land to make way for the homes. This category of land is expensive to prepare for housebuilding, meaning sites are sat empty and an eyesore for local communities.
BROWNFIELD LAND RELEASE FUND
With the funding, delivered through the Brownfield Land Release Fund, councils will be able to cover the cost of decontamination, clearing disused buildings or improving infrastructure such as internet, water and power. As a result, land will be released to enable 5,200 homes to be built across the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says: “From the outset we promised to get this country building again to deliver 1.5 million homes over this parliament and help tackle the housing crisis we have inherited. That is the essence of fixing the foundations and driving growth.
“I said this government is on the side of the builders, not the blockers. And I meant it.
“This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work. Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.
“This government is rolling up its sleeves and delivering the change the British people deserve.”
FAST-TRACK BUILDING
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook adds: “The government is committed to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding, and we have already taken steps to prioritise and fast-track building on previously used urban land through our proposals for a ‘brownfield passport’.
“The funding announced today will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and boost economic growth by unlocking development on scores of abandoned, disused and neglected urban sites across the country.”
SOCIAL HOUSING OPTIONS
Deborah Matthews, Vice President Product Marketing, MRI Software, says: “With the Autumn budget fast approaching, all eyes will be on Labour to address the affordability and availability of social housing options.
“It’s been announced today that councils are set to receive £68m to build thousands of homes on brownfield sites.
“While this funding is considered a step forward, it is less than the previous £95m allocation, which supported the construction of around 6,800 homes. This highlights the considerable gap between current funding and Labour’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
“Pre-election MRI Software’s Managing Director for Social Housing, Deborah Matthews, had highlighted the importance of government support for housing policies that address the affordability and availability crisis, and ultimately benefit people’s wellbeing as well as overall economic stability.”
COST EFFICIENT
And she adds: “As this project gets underway, it will be important for property developers and construction firms to prioritise the implementation of sustainable and cost-efficient technologies to ensure the delivery of these homes. Brownfield sites are renowned for the challenges they tend to bring and having access to meaningful data analytics to understand the sites fully can support in streamlining decision-making processes and identify the best approach for site development.
“In the face of the housing crisis, property developers must embrace a tech-forward mindset to meet demand, overcome the hurdles of brownfield construction, and deliver on the promise of affordable, high-quality housing.”
