Greenfield Sites and Brownfield Sites – Unlocking UK Housing

The UK housing industry is struggling to meet the demand for property due to limited supply. With more people living alone, the life expectancy increasing, and the UK’s population continuing to rise the need for housing continues to grow. The Office for National Statistics stated there was an increase of 1.7 million households in the UK between 2013 and 2023.

Following the recent government change in 2024, Labour has outlined a plan to construct 1.5 million homes during its first five years in governance. But with limited land available, there has been discussion of loosening specific restrictions for property development on greenfield and brownfield sites – but what do these terms mean?

What is a greenfield site?

Initially introduced by the government to reduce urban sprawl, a greenfield site is a piece of land that has never been built on. Greenfield sites offer a blank canvas for housing development but are usually located in a more rural area due to the vast amount of property built around cities. Greenfield sites may literally be presented as green grasslands, woodlands and moorlands, or any area of land that has not previously been touched, private or public.

Greenfield sites offer several benefits for housing development, from the lower costs as they are cheaper to buy to the stunning rural setting. But sometimes, the location of greenfield sites can be seen as a downfall due to the lack of demand for housing in rural areas and the destruction of green areas.

What is a brownfield site?

A brownfield site usually refers to previously developed land that is unused and dormant. These types of sites are usually found in urban areas, creating the perfect opportunity for redevelopment projects. Building on brownfield land can be a simple project to undertake due to planning permission being in place, as well as previous plumbing and electricity, but you’re usually faced with the remains of the previous development.

The National Planning Policy Framework identifies a brownfield as “Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure.” But not all built-on sites are brownfields, due to the exception of agricultural buildings, mines, landfills, residential gardens and parks. These sites offer high demand for housing due to the urban city locations.

The introduction of the grey belt

As part of Labours plan, restrictions on property development land is being loosened across two different types of sites, allowing them to match the housing demand with a creditable supply. With not enough homes on the market, it has also led to an increase in property prices, leaving first-time buyers stranded at the bottom of the ladder. Currently, the average age of a UK first-time buyer in 2024 is 33.5 years and is only increasing.

The government acknowledged that the housing goals will require more than the brownfield sites available, so the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has introduced the ‘grey belt.’ 

The grey belt is a new classification of greenfield land that can now be developed on, located in the green belt. The emerging grey belt land typically consists of greenfield that are no longer of historical significance or agriculturally productive. This allows for an increase in housing where it is most needed, as the green belt restrictions have created stagnant development in those areas.

The future of housing development

When developing housing, there are several factors taken into consideration: demand, location, type of property development and environmental impact. Developing property on either one of these sites has its positives and negatives. Greenfield sites are located in more rural areas, as brownfield sites are more commonly found in urban areas.

By Labour introducing the grey belt, this means specific green belt land can be built on but with certain conditions in place. To address the shortage of affordable housing in the UK, any greenfield site development must incorporate 50% affordable property, while any housing projects developed on brownfield sites must adhere to a 10% affordable housing requirement.

For property developers, this creates a big fork within the decision-making process. Whether they invest in the brownfield sites for the higher end of the market but with potential challenges or build on greenfield sites dedicating half of the development to affordable housing.

We can directly address the housing shortage and create more space for development with the introduction of loosened restrictions. Consideration of sustainability in future housing is also a crucial factor. By focusing on a timber-framed future in the housing industry, it creates a more sustainable practice if the correct specifications are met, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions within the industry.

If you have any questions or need help with your timber supplies, then our team is happy to help – email sales@thinktimber.co.uk