More Homes Building on Brownfield Sites
More homes are being built on brownfield sites and at higher densities, according to recently published statistics.
Land Use Change Statistics show 67% of all new dwellings in England were built on brownfield sites in both 2002 and 2003, compared with 56% being built on brownfield sites in 1997. They also show new dwellings in England were built at an average density of 33 dwellings per hectare in 2003, compared with 27 dwellings per hectare in 2002 and only 25 in 1997.
Planning and Housing Minister Keith Hill said:
"These statistics back up our commitment to get more land development on brownfield sites and that means affordable homes for young families and key workers. As well as delivering more homes these figures show we're using development land more efficiently.
"But this does not mean we are concreting over countryside land - far from it. This Government's commitment and proactive approach to brownfield land development is helping to reinvigorate our town and city centres while protecting our countryside land from urban sprawl.
"The increased use of brownfield land, the creation of 19,000 extra hectares of greenbelt land since 1997, and the stringent guidelines in the planning system are all designed to stop unnecessary land development and protect English countryside land for generations to come."
Source: Mercatus Land Consultants
