In 2006, on a provisional estimate, 74 per cent. of all new dwellings were built on previously developed (“brownfield”) land, compared to 77 per cent. in 2005. The figures for each region and both years, including and excluding conversions of buildings into dwellings, can be seen in the following table.
Due to the way the data are collected, all statistics are subject to revision, and the 2006 statistics are marked as provisional because they are more susceptible to change. There is an inevitable time-lag between land use change occurring and it being recorded causing these revisions.
The statistics are the best estimates available; however the Department is constantly researching the figures to ensure they are as robust as possible.
No assessment has yet been made of this reduction. The target for development on previously developed land remains 60 per cent. and this is being achieved.
Excluding conversions Including conversions 2005 20061 2005 20061 North East 69 71 71 72 North West 81 83 83 85 Yorkshire and the Humber 73 67 77 70 East Midlands 54 65 60 69 West Midlands 76 79 79 81 East of England 70 64 72 66 London 97 90 97 90 South East 75 74 78 76 South West 62 58 67 63 England 74 72 77 74 1 Provisional Notes: 1. There is an inevitable time-lag between land use change occurring and it being recorded, therefore data are constantly being updated. 2. The data in the table are based on records received from Ordnance Survey up to June 2007, published in October 2007 in Land Use Change in England to 2006: Additional Tables LUCS-22A.