HBF highlights greenfield shortfall

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has responded positively but cautiously to today's announcement by prime minister Gordon Brown regarding future supply of housing, highlighting current shortfalls in the provision of greenfield land.

The government's own figures show that land brought forward for development fell by seven per cent between 1997 to 2003, in part because of a 27 per cent reduction in the amount of greenfield being developed, HBF has advised.

In comparison, there was a 14 per cent increase in the amount of brownfield land developed over the same period, according to land supply figures.

"We are pleased the prime minister has recognised how important housing is. We have long argued that housing needs to be at the forefront of everyone's minds and it is excellent news that Gordon Brown has heard our call," commented HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley.

"Setting higher targets for housing by 2020 is welcome recognition of the scale of the challenge. The reality is that we need to see Gordon Brown's laudable intentions translated into practical actions to deliver the much-needed extra homes," Mr Baseley added.


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