The government has announced several areas shortlisted to become the first flagship housing zones in England – to help provide thousands of new homes across the country without impacting on Greenfield sites.The shortlist of 29 areas outside London has been published, each of which have bid to become one of 10 housing zones, where it will be easier and quicker to build new homes on brownfield land. One of the areas shortlisted is the current site of the Landfill and Thames Water treatment plant in Slyfield.
If the bid is successful, part of the government funds will be used to relocate the current sewage plant and landfill sites, although no alternative site has yet been suggested.
Chancellor George Osborne said:
“A key part of our long term economic plan is to build the houses Britain needs so that more families can have the security that comes with home ownership.
That’s why I’m delighted to announce the areas shortlisted to become the first housing zones in England which, as part of a wider package of measures, will help deliver up to 200,000 new homes on brownfield land.
Alongside other important measures like Help to Buy, we are doing everything we can to boost housing supply and to make sure people can get a home of their own.”
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis also remarked:
“Getting Britain building is a vital part of our long term economic plan. And, since 2010 we have seen construction on new housing rise to the highest level since 2007.
Twenty-nine areas across England have now been shortlisted to become one of the first housing zones, to deliver new homes quickly on brownfield land.
The 10 that are finally chosen will then have the chance to build homes for local communities while continuing to protect the green belt.”
As the bid continues, we will keep you up to date with developments.
Adam Niblett
Image by Ron Strutt