West Midlands Leaders Seek Easier Brownfield Builds to Combat Homelessness

Leaders want easier brownfield redevelopment in the region. They discussed barriers to building homes on old industrial land. Officials hope to end homelessness and families staying in hotels.

Richard Parker wants a simpler path to building needed housing. Wolverhampton leader Stephen Simkins dislikes housing intervention rules. He said these rules slow down development projects.

The West Midlands authority is talking with the government. They want more freedom from these regulations. Simkins thinks current rules hurt deprived areas. He prefers a “deprivation factor”. Simkins wants the power to decide and be judged by results.

He says the government wants more homes and less poverty. A deprivation rate would help develop brownfield sites. Parker said brownfield sites hurt the region’s economy. He aims to remove barriers swiftly but carefully.

He wants simpler processes to speed up building. Laura Shoaf stated they are negotiating with the government. The government sets intervention rates, maybe without full local knowledge. They need flexibility to address land value issues. They need to invest early to test a market. They are hopeful for a good outcome.