Govt taps Network Rail estate for 40,000 homes
Land owned by Network Rail and the Ministry of Defence will be redeveloped as part of Labour’s crusade to “beat the blockers” and ramp up housing delivery.
The Treasury has today announced the creation of a new taskforce that will look at where surplus land can be redeveloped into homes.
A new development company created between Network Rail property and London & Continental Railways is due to launch later this year to embark on the delivery of 40,000 homes across the nation’s rail estate.
The company “will attract public and private investment to develop brownfield sites”, the government said.
Existing schemes including 1,500 homes at Mayfield in Manchester and 5,000 homes at Forth Yards in Newcastle will be the first to be delivered under the scope of the new entity.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the land banks organisations like Network Rail and the MOD as a “huge untapped resource that could create opportunities for the next generation of homeowners”.
“In contrast to the failed approach of the past, we are making the best use of public land to build the homes that families and our Armed Forces need, improving opportunities for homeownership and creating jobs across the country.”
Identifying public land for development comes a day after the Office for Budget Responsibility said Labour’s National Planning Policy Framework reforms would result in the delivery of 1.3m homes before the end of the parliament.
Deputy prime minister and housing secretary, Angela Rayner said: “So many working people and families are locked out of the dream of a secure home and this is a direct consequence of the housing crisis we’ve inherited.
That’s why we’re unlocking public land today for much-needed new housing to help end the housing crisis, deliver 1.5m homes, and unleash growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
I thought Network Rail were the delay for many developments and yet here they are, the agents of change in delivery of new homes.
By Thomas Tank
Very sensible
By Anonymous
Houses needs build fast to tackle homeless and cuts waiting list from council Nationwide
By Anonymous
Is Network Rail also going to provide new stations and lines for all these new developments which should have decent public transport provision.
By GetItBuilt!
Not ideal living by the side of a railway line.
By Anonymous
This seems like common sense, as long as it’s medium density
By Anonymous
So, common sense prevails. The Labour Party’s realised that ‘Military’ sites are classed as ‘Brown Field’ Sites, once decommissioned. It was done at BAE, Woodford Aerospace. As Borough is now called Strines. Remember, ‘Brown Field Land’ is cheaper than ‘Green’.
By Evie
What about the land to the rear of Lewis’ behind Central Station and Bold St in Liverpool formerly earmarked for Central Village? That’s still owned by Network Rail…
By Anonymous