Unused public sector land will deliver new homes

Unused public sector land will deliver new homes

Unused public sector land has been released to build new homes in Greater Manchester, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced today (Wednesday 4 March).

Now, the Government is calling on councils and developers to help turn it into housing as soon as possible, and is urging local authorities up and down the country to follow this example and sell their redundant sites and buildings.

Mr Pickles said: “Housebuilding is at the heart of the Government’s long-term economic plan. That’s why, rather than leaving surplus public sector land idle, we are putting it to good use by releasing it to build new homes across the country.

“I now want to see councils following Whitehall’s example and explore what they can do to release land and deliver new homes and savings for local taxpayers.”

Breakdown by local authority in Greater Manchester is as follows:

• Bolton 10
• Bury 24
• Manchester 633
• Oldham 12
• Rochdale 310
• Salford 537
• Stockport 146
• Tameside 35
• Wigan 983

The Infrastructure Act provides the Homes and Communities Agency with additional powers in its role as the Government’s main agency for releasing surplus public sector land, reducing bureaucracy and speeding up land disposals.