BPF calls for Government to go further on brownfield planning policy

Commenting on the BPF's response to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' consultation on strengthening planning policy for brownfield development, Assistant Director Sam Bensted said:

“We fully support the Government’s move to increase housebuilding on brownfield sites and the introduction of a ‘presumption in favour’ of development aligns with the BPF’s call in our General Election Manifesto for a separate planning category to unlock complex urban regeneration projects.

"Whilst the proposals are a good start, Government should go further still and extend the presumption in favour to commercial and mixed-use development. This would enable homes, jobs and vital infrastructure to be delivered side-by-side on urban sites, creating sustainable communities and supporting economic growth. The policy should be adopted more widely for urban areas across the UK - beyond the 20 towns and cities identified – to further support urban regeneration and growth in all appropriate locations.”