The Housing Forum welcomes the Labour Party’s recent announcements on proposals to find ways to build 1.5 million new homes, including on greenbelt land where appropriate. Former garage sites are a prime example of land within greenbelts that should be better used for housing. We would also like to see a strategic approach to releasing greenbelt land, where necessary. We are pleased to see Labour’s plans for a higher proportion of Affordable Housing on greenbelt land, which should be feasible especially on larger sites.
Commenting on the plans, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Anna Clarke said :
It’s good to build on brownfield sites where practical, but we know these are not sufficient to meet needs. Many cities, such as London have a growing population and huge levels of housing need. But they are unable to grow outwards because of greenbelts which were drawn up over 70 years ago. We would like to see a more strategic approach to the greenbelt, with local authorities and city regions encouraged to work together. Central government should support these ambitions and not try to lock down the boundaries of greenbelts in perpetuity.
For comments please contact: Anna Clarke, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, 07442 405513 or anna.clarke@housingforum.org.uk.
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