Study highlights potential for rapid delivery of new homes
England’s brownfield sites have the capacity to provide close to 1.5 million new homes, helping the government achieve its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes by 2030, while preserving greenfield sites and minimising environmental impact.
According to recent analysis by the countryside charity, CPRE, more than half of brownfield sites in England already have either full or in-principle planning permission, allowing for faster commencement of building projects. Many of these sites are situated near existing infrastructure, such as public transport, schools, and healthcare services, making them well-suited for residential development.
The organisation’s State of Brownfield report, based on Local Authority brownfield registers up to 2024, shows a 16% increase in the number of sites identified as suitable for development over recent years.
Despite official policy favouring brownfield development, almost half of new homes in 2021/22 were constructed on greenfield land. The Local Government Association has reported an additional 500,000 planning permissions for greenfield sites, raising concerns about the loss of natural habitats and the impact on biodiversity.
The report describes brownfield land as a “constantly renewing resource”, with new sites emerging as urban areas change and opportunities arise to redevelop low-density housing at higher densities. Revitalising these areas is seen as a way to support community regeneration and economic growth.
A brownfield-first strategy, the report suggests, should be complemented by sustainable urban extensions and, where appropriate, the creation of new towns. Such developments should incorporate green spaces, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure to ensure long-term resilience.
The report recommends that the government enforce a brownfield-first policy for new housing, including directing Homes England investment to brownfield sites and limiting speculative greenfield development. It also calls for regular updates to brownfield registers to support redevelopment, and for clear, enforceable targets for affordable and social housing on sites ready for construction.
“The government has pledged a brownfield-first approach to new housing, but the reality is more unnecessary development on green fields,” said Roger Mortlock (pictured right), chief executive of CPRE. A new approach to local housing numbers has massively increased the target in many rural areas without any evidence of local need and without the infrastructure to support new communities.
“We know that large developers favour building on the countryside, while the number of brownfield sites continues to grow. More identikit, car-dependent executive homes needlessly built on the countryside.
“The recent brownfield passports are a great first step, but if the government is serious about a brownfield-first approach, it needs more teeth. We need targets for brownfield sites, up-to-date brownfield registers, and investment in genuinely affordable and social homes on brownfield land. If we want homes that tackle the housing crisis, revitalise our towns and cities, and create vibrant, sustainable communities close to existing infrastructure, then these unused brownfield sites have to be the place we start.”
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