The property industry has welcomed an announcement from the Treasury that will allow communities and businesses to challenge the use of central government land and property, and has praised the government for taking the initiative to speed up the release of public land.
The proposals, announced today by Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, mean that communities and businesses are now able to submit applications challenging the use of central government land and property, both vacant and occupied.
Previously, members of the public were only able to challenge local authorities where land or property is empty or under-used. Applications will be made to a committee comprising Ministers from the Treasury, Cabinet Office and the landholding department, and only if the location is vital for operational use or there are overriding reasons will it not be released to the open market.
The move is expected to boost housebulding and business growth, and contribute towards paying off the deficit.
Liz Peace, Chief Executive, of the BPF, commented: "We are delighted that individuals and businesses are now able to apply for the release of central government land and property, as this is something that we have been calling for for a long time. Measures to speed up the sale of public land are always welcome, and it is particularly good news that businesses are now able to do this. It is encouraging that the government is planning to keep this process simple, and we welcome their commitment to clarity in this matter."
Robert Evans, Executive Director of Argent, which is developing London's landmark Battersea Power Station development, added: "This announcement is to be welcomed, as it shows that the government is making efforts to use the country's land to its best economic advantage, and I am glad to see the joining up of government departments to consider applications.
"However, land release alone is not enough, as supporting infrastructure is just as important in ensuring the viability of new schemes. Likewise, the cost of land remediation and impact of CIL need to be considered, as anyone will need an economically sound proposition to acquire the public land."