To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether any Government-owned sites in Warrington have been identified as suitable for the provision of social or low-cost housing; and whether any discussions have taken place with other agencies about whether any sites they own could be released for housing provision. (150711)

Three surplus public sector sites in Warrington are on the Register of Surplus Public Sector land. They are:

the former Police Training Centre, Bruche, owned by the Home Office/National Police Improvement Agency;

a small piece of land in Delenty Drive, owned by the local PCT; and

former railway/ viaduct land owned by British Railways Board (Residuary) Ltd.

Of these, the Bruche site has been identified as having the potential for housing development. English Partnerships is taking forward discussions with the Home Office over its purchase to enable the provision of housing including affordable homes. English Partnerships has also discussed the former railway land with the British Railways Board (Residuary) Ltd. Following these discussions, two other surplus sites have been identified recently which are currently being assessed for housing potential.

After considering the Delenty Drive site with the primary care trust, English Partnerships and Warrington borough council have ruled out its potential for housing development because of its size.

English Partnerships is also examining the results of the second round competition for the First Time Buyers’ Initiative for further housing development opportunities in Warrington. The competition closed on 16 July and is aimed at developing potential First Time Buyers’ Initiative schemes on current or former public sector land.

Further discussions are continuing with all central Government Departments and their agencies about bringing forward more land for housing development.