Unused public sector land will deliver over 1000 new homes in Shropshire

Enough unused public sector land has been released in Shropshire to build over 893 new homes in Telford & Wrekin and 380 in the Shropshire Council area.

The figures were announced today by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.

Mr Pickles said:

“Housebuilding is at the heart of the Government’s long-term economic plan. That’s why, rather than leaving surplus public sector land idle, we are putting it to good use by releasing it to build new homes across the country.

“This is part of wider efforts that have got Britain building again, leading to the delivery of 700,000 new homes since the end of 2009.

“I now want to see councils following Whitehall’s example and explore what they can do to release land and deliver new homes and savings for local taxpayers.”

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:

“Housing starts are at their highest annual total since 2007, but it’s clear we need to maintain this momentum and build the homes communities want and need.

“That’s why for the last four years we’ve pulled out all the stops to release formerly-used surplus public sector land for housebuilding - meaning we have now exceeded our own target.”

House building starts are now at their highest since 2007, empty homes are at their lowest level since records began and government backed schemes have helped nearly 192,000 people buy or reserve a property since 2010.