As the levelling up scheme gets underway, the Government sets out its plan to utilise underused brownfield sites in communities across the UK. The purpose of the move is to support young people and families in getting onto the property ladder while avoiding the destruction of green spaces by using previously built on land and derelict buildings.
The Government announced further funding for derelict sites – such as disused buildings and car parks – to be used to build vibrant new homes for people to buy in a bid to boost local economies and deliver new homes and jobs. Tees Valley, The West Midlands and Greater Manchester have already received a share of the £30m funding pot which will help the respective local authorities to create around 2500 new homes across the three regions. £8m of the Brownfield Land Release Fund has also been shared out between 13 different councils across England with the aim of delivering nearly 900 new homes. The investment will also see a boost to the self and custom-built sector while supporting small and medium sized building firms and creating thousands of jobs within the new build sector. The announcement of this further funding is in addition to the initial £120m of funding previously unveiled for the repurposing and development of brownfield land in the Levelling Up White Paper back in February. Housing Minister, Stuart Andrew, spoke about the announcement: “
The funding announced today will breathe fresh life into former industrial sites, creating thriving urban communities and building more homes so young people and families have the opportunity to get onto the housing ladder.”
