GREENFIELD sites in the South East will still be needed for housing if government targets for new homes are to be achieved, according to RPC Land and New Homes. Recent planning guidelines insist that local authorities locate at least 60 per cent of their proposed housing on brownfield sites – those that have had a previous use. However, the door has not been completely shut on greenfield development.

Mark Linington, RPC land director, said: “It appears that the majority of councils are confident of at least 60 per cent threshold. Indeed, some have stated that they are likely to identify 100 per of their housing stock or brownfield sites. As a result, housebuilders are now seeking brownfield sites such as disused factories, offices and former car parks for residential development.”