The Guardian has published a significant correction to a recent article concerning the availability of brownfield land for housing development in England.
Revised Figures for Brownfield Potential
Initial reporting stated that the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) had calculated that 1.49 million homes could be built on brownfield sites, with 790,000 of these already having planning permission. This information was incorrect. The newspaper has now issued corrected figures, confirming that the actual capacity is for 1.41 million homes, with 770,000 having secured planning consent.
Updated Site and Land Area Data
The corrections extend beyond the number of potential dwellings. The original article inaccurately reported that there were 30,257 brownfield sites covering 32,884 hectares. The accurate data confirms there are 27,200 available brownfield sites spread across 29,977 hectares of land in England.
Furthermore, an online chart illustrating regional data was also affected by the initial errors. This chart has been updated to reflect the correct numbers for London, the South-East, and the North-West of England.
Importance of Accurate Housing Data
Accurate land and housing data is crucial for effective policymaking and planning across England. These corrected figures provide a more precise picture of the country's true capacity for building on previously developed land, a key strategy for many local authorities. The revisions underscore the importance of verifying data in the ongoing national discussion about meeting housing needs.
The Guardian has reminded readers that editorial complaints and correction requests can be sent to their Readers' editor.
