Our view

Recycling land and getting away from low densities
CPRE has long been arguing that we should use this previously developed, but now underused or abandoned ‘brownfield land’ first – before we build over the countryside on ‘greenfield’ land. Developers can also bring some abandoned and underused old buildings back to life by converting them into homes.

At the same time, we should stop building new homes at wastefully low densities of less than 30 homes per hectare (12 homes an acre) – which had become the norm. By building at higher – but not high – densities we use land more efficiently and save countryside. And there are other environmental benefits in shifting from low densities. We create more compact communities where homes, workplaces, shops and services are closer together, where public transport is more viable and where people find it convenient to walk or cycle rather than relying on cars.

Recycling land and conversions
In 1998 the Government introduced a housing policy and a target for 60% of all new housing to be on previously developed land or through conversions by 2008. This target was actually achieved in 1999 and the figure achieved in 2007 was 77%.

Building to higher densities
The Government's housing policy calls for a range of 30 to 50 dwellings per hectare for new housing developments and higher densities for locations close to town centres or with good transport links. The latest figures show that densities are now approaching the middle of this range with an average density of more than 40 homes per hectare achieved in 2007.

Plenty of space
In campaigning against low densities, CPRE is not arguing that we should build only flats, and that new development should be high rise. Far from it. You can build spacious family homes with their own gardens and car parking spaces at 50 dwellings per hectare. We want to see high quality new housing developments with a range of house types – plenty of good-sized homes with their own gardens for families with children, along with smaller homes for smaller households.

A brownfield first — greenfield last approach to new housing
CPRE believes it is good idea to use previously developed urban land and buildings wherever possible before building on greenfields. A ‘brownfield first – greenfield last’ approach helps protect the countryside and regenerate our townsand cities.