New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Government is committed to adopting a brownfield-first policy when it comes to planning.
Previous Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had both said the Government was committed to such a policy but details have been scant.
When asked during Prime Minister’s Questions if the Government would follow a brownfield-first policy Sunak said: “I can give that assurance. We must protect our green belt, and we are adopting a brownfield-first strategy.
“I’m pleased we had a record number of new homes built in the last year but it’s important that we build those homes in the right places.”
Back in 2021 countryside charity CPRE’s report Recycling our Land: State of Brownfield called for a comprehensive brownfield-first policy.
It said the policy should be set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and brownfield-targeted housing funds should be established.
It also recommended incentivising developers through New Homes Bonus payments that deliver on brownfield land and provide affordable homes to allow for brownfield land to serve the needs and regeneration of the North and Midlands.
However, with funding tight it appears unlikely that the Government would look at establishing such a fund at present.
