Feb 3 2006
The proportion of new homes built on brownfield sites has reached an all-time record level of 72 per cent - up from 56 per cent in 1997, and up a further two per cent on the previous count.
Meanwhile, the average density of new homes remains at 40dph (dwellings per hectare), up from 25dph in 1997.
Welcoming the news, Minister for Planning and Housing Yvette Cooper said:
“We are building more new homes on brownfield sites than ever before. For decades, this country has built too few homes, with the result that too many people on moderate incomes are being priced out of the housing market.
“Today’s statistics show it is possible reverse that trend and build more homes in the right places whilst protecting the environment and providing jobs and public services at the same time. We are committed to making the best use of previously developed land and these latest figures show we are doing exactly that."
The full statistics release: Land Use Change in England: Residential Development to 2004 - January Update; can be found on the ODPM website.