Government set to announce new homes programme

The government is today (Wednesday) expected to announce its roll-out plans for thousands of new homes across the South-East.

Deputy prime minister John Prescott will unveil his 'communities plan' for affordable homes in a House of Commons address this afternoon.

In his speech, Prescott will announce the wide-spread construction of homes across the growth areas of Milton Keynes, between London and Stansted, the Cambridge M1 corridor, Ashford in Kent and the East Thames Gateway.

A further scheme to include homes for key workers such as nurses, police officers and teachers might also be included.

Around 60% of these homes will be built on former industrial brownfield sites.

However, the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) believes the plans for the South-East will smother thousands of hectares of greenfield sites.

"Such building just adds to congestion, increases pressure for road-building, splits communities and just makes more noise and air pollution and contributes to climate change," said CPRE spokeswoman Julie Stainton.

"One solution would be demolishing some inner-city homes to create parks and green spaces," she added.