Industry News

Leeds cuts house builds to protect green spaces September 3, 2010

Leeds City Council has halved its new homes target in order to prevent construction on greenfield sites.

An annual objective to build 4,740 homes under Labour's regional spatial strategy (RSS) has been voted down by councillors, who have replaced the target with one of 2,300 properties a year, according to Building.co.uk.

A report sent to the council's executive stated if the number of proposed dwellings was not reduced, the authority would find it impossible to stop developers building on green spaces on the edge of the city.

Leeds City Council commented: "House builders have been seeking to exploit the opportunity presented by the substantially increased housing targets in RSS to challenge the council's stance."

The Home Builders Federation appealed against the decision on the basis it would disadvantage those in need of housing, but had its plea rejected.

Last month, Policy Exchange published a report calling for a shake up of government housing policy in order to increase the number of new properties built in the UK.
 

© Adfero Ltd

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