The government could be forced to backtrack on its “brownfield first” policy owing to a shortage of suitable sites in areas of housing shortage.
Measures to release more greenfield sites, including some areas designated as green belt, especially in the South East, are expected to be included in deputy prime minister John Prescotts policy statement on housing at the end of the month.
Adrian Willet, head of DTZ Residential in the Midlands, said there was a “classic mismatch between supply and demand”.
“I believe that within the next 12 months we will see firm proposals towards the release of greenfield land,” he said.
The government is also expected to announce changes to the percentage of affordable housing required in developments in areas of housing shortage.
Philip Robin, head of planning at King Sturge, said targets of between 30% and 50% were likely to be adopted.
Other changes could include applying the “Westminster model” to areas outside London, which would mean that requirements to provide affordable housing or cash in lieu would apply to commercial developments as well as residential developments.
See this Saturday’s Estates Gazette for the full version of this story.
EGi News 10/01/03
