New Homes Built on Previously-Developed
Land
Indicator
The percentage of all new homes (completions) built on
previously developed land
Status
The percentage of new
homes built on previously-developed land in Worcestershire is good,
and is remaining broadly level.
Overview
National government policy on housing is set out in Planning
Policy Statement 3, which states that "The priority for development
should be previously developed land, in particular vacant and
derelict sites and buildings". This national policy has been
carried through to the Regional and Local level in the Regional
Spatial Strategy and Local Development Frameworks, which set
targets for the amount of development that should take place on
previously-developed land (PDL). It is generally recognised that
re-using land and buildings is more sustainable than developing on
'greenfield' (undeveloped) sites, as it can improve neglected
environments, foster regeneration, and reduce urban sprawl.
However, whilst PDL can be of poor environmental quality, there
can also be significant areas of PDL providing an important
biodiversity resource. Whilst land may technically have been
'previously developed', it may well since have been 'reclaimed by
nature'. Under current planning rules, garden land is also
classified as PDL.
Performance
During 2007/08, 85% of new housing completions in Worcestershire
were built on previously-developed land. This is slightly lower
than the proportion in 2006/07 (88), but slightly above that in
2005/06 (83%).
Geographical Context
Worcestershire is exceeding the average rate for PDL development
nationally; DCLG have published provisional statistics showing that
78% of all dwellings were completed on previously-developed land in
2008, which is a slight increase on the 77% from 2007.
Worcestershire's 85% of housing completions on
previously-developed land is well ahead of the 70% target set out
in the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy Phase 2 Preferred
Option. However, compared to other shire/unitary authorities,
Worcestershire performs relatively poorly in the regional context,
with only Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Telford &
Wrekin and Herefordshire achieving lower proportions. This tends to
reflect the more rural nature of these counties, and indeed the RSS
sets specific targets for the conurbation of 90%, and 'rest of the
region' of 60% - so against this measure Worcestershire is
performing very well.
In terms of Worcestershire districts, Worcester City is the only
authority to achieve a total 100% build rate for dwelling son
previously-developed land, reflecting the city's dense urbanised
character.
Actions
Districts are including policies within their Local Development
Framework to maximise the proportion of new dwelling built on
previously developed land.
Further Information
For information on the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy,
visit the West Midlands Regional Assembly
website.
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