More new housing developments are being built on brownfield land (previously used land) than ever before, according to statistics published last week.

But regeneration minister Jeff Rooker is not altogether pleased with the new figures and says he wants planning and council thinking to improve, allowing more homes to be built.

Sixty four per cent of all new housing developments, including conversions, were built on brownfield land in 2002, exceeding the Government’s target of at least 60 per cent of all new developments to be built on such sites by 2008.

Brownfield use over the last three years:

• 2000 - 61%
• 2001 - 63%
• 2002 - 64%

Sounds good but…

But minister Jeff Rooker warned this is partly being achieved thanks to record lows in house construction. Rooker wants more to be done to turn this around.

Rooker said: “While I am pleased to see we are exceeding our target for building new housing on brownfield land, I am concerned this is being achieved at a time of record lows in house building.”

“People need more homes and they need them now. The growth outlined in the Sustainable Communities Plan rightly prioritises brownfield development.”

“Use of brownfield sites benefits towns by redeveloping waste ground and run down buildings and benefits the countryside by relieving pressure to build on green fields.”

He said the government was doing its bit by improving the planning system. And he called on local government to do its bit too.

“House-builders tell me the planning system can act as a barrier to development. Our proposed changes to the planning system should help speed things up.

“In the meantime, I would urge councils to think creatively about the land they have and the powers they can use to make sure more high quality homes are provided as a matter of priority.”