The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is strengthening planning policy to prioritise retrofitting and repurposing of brownfield sites over demolition and new construction, in order to meet housing targets while reducing carbon emissions and environmental harm. The policy includes proposals to reduce VAT on retrofit projects, clarify solar energy development on brownfield land, and introduce mechanisms like the Enhanced Regeneration Programme to maintain site viability. This is an active policy initiative supported by recent planning reform working papers and parliamentary recommendations.
In response to: Planning Reform Working Paper: Brownfield Passport
This paper invites views on further action the government could take through the planning system to support the development of brownfield land in urban areas.