The Labour Party’s commitment to the development of brownfield sites as a solution for housing has received endorsement from Propertymark, a key stakeholder in the UK property sector.
The announcement came amid a series of housing-related pledges made at this week’s Labour Party Conference held in Liverpool.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised sweeping changes to the current stamp duty and planning systems, but it was Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to the development of brownfield sites that caught the industry’s attention.
Starmer pledged to construct 1.5 million affordable first homes in urban areas by utilising such neglected lands.
Moreover, Starmer vowed to “get Britain building again,” committing to the protection of the green belt. He accused the Conservative Party of failing to address the “grey belt” of unused and neglected areas over the past 13 years.
Today’s commitment is in line with the broader political landscape, as both major parties have prioritized brownfield development.
The Department of Levelling Up recently committed to building 6,000 new homes on brownfield sites, utilising funds provided to local councils for the transformation of such areas into vibrant communities.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark encourages the future UK Government to increase development on brownfield land within city and town centres, especially where there is already a high demand for housing.
“We welcome Labour’s commitment to this cause and urge them to clarify how they intend to meet this crucial ambition.
“It is key to constructing the housing infrastructure this country desperately needs.”
