Brownfield map sets out sites
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DEVELOPERS and residents can now check an interactive map of brownfield sites around Halton. Each plot is marked by a dot and features details of whether it owned by the local authority or not, the size, minimum suitable number of properties it could fit and whether planning permission is in place.
Some notes.
The map was created by the National Housing Federation (NHF), which has identified and mapped more than 17,000 brownfield sites around England totalling around 27,700 hectares – about the same size as Birmingham – and with enough space for more than 961,000 homes.
It is not entirely comprehensive, with some derelict sites around Halton clearly not featured, and some of the featured plots may already being rebuilt as housing such as the Bridgewater centre in Runcorn. sites features miscellaneous
Among those to welcome the map’s launch is the National Federation Of Builders (NFB), which said the interactive tool could help to tackle ‘the housing crisis’.
The NFB said commentators and decision makers can use it to better understand the challenges, rather than assuming it shows that nearly a million homes can be delivered.
Richard Beresford, NFB chief executive, said: “This tool is another example of the private sector rising to the housing challenge.
“It may not give the full brownfield story, but it serves as a reminder that local authorities must do more to enable development within our existing communities.”
Rico Wojtulewicz, House Builders Association (HBA) senior policy adviser, explained: “There are a large number of brownfield sites not included in this tool, as well as sites that are not deliverable.
“Mapping them helps the entire housing supply chain understand how complex land ownership and sites allocations really are.”