Abandoned land to become homes in seven London boroughs
In a significant move to address London’s housing crisis, the government has allocated millions of pounds to seven boroughs to build homes on abandoned land, facilitating the development of over 1,000 homes on brownfield sites. This funding initiative aims to revitalise empty, abandoned buildings, defunct car parks, and neglected industrial land across Camden, Haringey, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Croydon, and Hackney.
The government highlighted its commitment to resolving the housing crisis by helping families access homeownership including building on abandoned land. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the urgency of this initiative, stating, “From the outset, we promised to get this country building again, delivering 1.5 million homes to tackle the inherited housing crisis.” He described the government as being “on the side of the builders, not the blockers,” underscoring a brownfield-first strategy aimed at converting disused sites into desirable living spaces.
The announcement comes as part of a broader £68 million funding package distributed among 54 councils nationwide, with London boroughs receiving a total of £12.4 million. This funding is part of a three-year, £180 million initiative launched under the previous Conservative government in July 2022, which encourages local authorities to utilise abandoned or underutilised land for housing development. The new Labour government has reiterated its commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes during its term.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook reinforced the government’s brownfield-first approach, introducing proposals for a “brownfield passport” to streamline the development process for previously used urban land.
Local leaders have welcomed the funding towards building on abandoned land. Guy Nicholson, Hackney’s cabinet member for housing supply, pointed out the severe housing crisis affecting many families, particularly in the Frampton Park Estate.
He noted that this essential funding will not only initiate the construction of much-needed homes, including social rent options, but will also stimulate broader community investment to enhance abandoned facilities for residents. With this initiative, the government aims not only to boost housing availability but also to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the affected areas.
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