Brownfield policies questioned

by Michael Gordon



The Government's calls for 60 per cent of new homes to be built on brownfield sites has been described as well intentioned but vague by a Parliamentary Select Committee.

The committee's report on housing claims that the proposed measures are inadequate for achieving the aims outlined in the White Paper, Planning for the Communities of the Future. Between now and 2016, the Government estimates that around 175,000 homes per year, either new build or refurbished, are required to meet demand.

One of the most important recommendations is for changes to planning guidance to encourage urban regeneration. The committee calls for a sequential approach to the release of land, more accurate estimates of the land available for development, urban capacity studies, and more appropriate density requirements.

Of great importance to maintenance contractors is the recommendation to abolish of VAT on conversions. European Union law means that VAT removal is illegal, but the committee recommends reductions to as low a level as the law permits.

The White Paper proposes a significant transfer of tasks and responsibilities to regional bodies and local planning offices, but the committee has expressed concern that they will neither have the staff nor the funds to undertake them.

In addition, the committee is worried that there is no indication whether the Government will provide such resources.

Support for local authorities was called for, with recommendations that central Government supports greenfield site restrictions imposed regionally, instead of undermining them.

The Committee is insisting that the Government ensures that its policies on housing should be consistent with its other policies, on regional development, urban regeneration, integrated transport, and sustainable development.