Housing Solicitors

The government is to make available for purchase 600 acres of surplus public sector land for new homes.

Details of the land was published on Tuesday (26/01/16), as part of the government’s drive to deliver tens of thousands of new homes and boost local growth.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said it was further proof that the government was getting the country building again – and he urged developers to seize the opportunity and build the homes needed.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has more than 80 public land sites for sale – and will release a further 40 sites over the next 18 months.

It is estimated these sites will support more than 5,000 homes, as well as land for industry and business. More than 20% of the sites already have outline or detailed planning permission, said the government – which is aiming to deliver one million new homes in total.

The HCA is the government’s disposal agency for surplus public land – and using its local market knowledge, commercial expertise and experience of managing large portfolios of land, exceeded its contribution to the government’s last land programme by more than 3,000 homes.

During the last parliament, Whitehall departments released enough public sector land to support more than 109,000 homes.

The sale of surplus public sector land will support the delivery of 160,000 homes.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:

“Using surplus public sector land for housing has helped us get the country building again, with the number of new homes up by 25%.

“Selling off these sites will allow us to go even further, delivering on our ambition to support a further 160,000 homes, while providing a significant boost to local economies and the taxpayer.

“I now want to see developers getting shovels in the ground as quickly as possible and build the homes hard working people want and deserve.”

Chief Executive of the HCA, Andy Rose, said:

“The sale of surplus public land helps to meet government priorities to build more homes and business premises, while delivering a financial return to the taxpayer.

“We will use our commercial expertise and local market knowledge to make land attractive to house builders, to help get homes built more quickly and meet local priorities.”

Policy director at the Home Builders Federation, David O’Leary, added:

“Public sector land accounts for a significant proportion of potential residential land and can play an important part in helping the country to boost housing numbers.

“The role of the HCA is critical in helping the government to meet its ambitious targets for releasing public land for housing – and the creation of a more commercial environment with greater clarity will encourage more companies to bid for sites.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise developers and homebuyers on a wide range of housing matters, including planning consents and appeals.

Duncan Lewis also offers competitively priced conveyancing services to homebuyers – and can also advise homeowners on issues such as debt management and mortgage repossession.

For expert legal advice on housing and property law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.