Government has set tough targets for new dwellings to be built across the South-West of England, which is challenging given there are so many green belt, costal and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Harry Breakwell, Partner at Bruton Knowles, and located at the firm’s Gloucester office, discusses the opportunities and challenges this poses when it comes to finding suitable plots.

“One of the barriers to unlocking land for residential development sits within the cumbersome and outdated planning system. The lack of clarity around housing requirements, and delivery mechanisms exacerbates this. Since the pandemic there has been consequent delays to decision-making; both on major proposals and on the progress of emerging local plans. Additional resource for planning departments would help expedite this process.

“Times change and planning policy has to evolve to ensure a more streamlined, efficient service which is fit for purpose. It is evident that there is currently insufficient land to meet housing targets and demand from developers. A balance must be struck between the delivery of sustainable housing and sympathetic design to meet important climate change and environmental targets.

“The reality is that the more straightforward accessible sites have already been earmarked for development. Those remaining tend to be difficult to unlock. Many brownfield opportunities are located on the edge of industrial areas and can be undesirable places to live. Others pose too much of a risk due to contamination and depressed values, making them economically unviable.

“Some believe the 1,700 brownfield sites in the southwest region should be recycled to tackle the housing shortage. Estimates indicate this could deliver 70,000 new homes. [1]