Government shortlists 29 brownfield sites across England for new housing powers and share of £200m funding pot
The government has shortlisted 29 brownfield sites across England for new housing powers.
The areas - which include sites in Bristol, Derby, Shefield and York - could be awarded ‘housing zone’ status by the government, making it easier and quicker to build homes on brownfield land.
The government plans to create 10 housing zones outside London, and 20 housing zones inside the capital.
Most housing zones are expected to be big enough for between 750 and 2,000 homes, but larger schemes are also being considered.
Shortlisted bids were submitted by councils working with developers, and are competing for a share of £200m for infrastructure and land remediation to get their ideas off the ground.
Successful zones will also have access to cheaper borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board and priority access to planning and technical support from the Homes and Communities Agency’s advisory team for large applications.
The 29 shortlisted bids announced today will now go through an assessment process which will include looking at value for money and commitment to delivering homes quickly.
Andy Rose, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “Housing zones are an opportunity to unlock redundant brownfield land wit