ENOUGH unused public sector land has been released to build 7,452 new homes in the South-West, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced today, Wednesday, March 4.

The amount of land sold by the Government surpasses the original commitment set by the Prime Minister for this Parliament, and is expected to rise again by the end of this month.

The Government is now calling on councils and developers to help turn it into housing as soon as possible, and is urging local authorities up and down the country to follow this example and sell their redundant sites and buildings.

Mr Pickles said: “Housebuilding is at the heart of the Government’s long-term economic plan.

"That’s why, rather than leaving surplus public sector land idle, we are putting it to good use by releasing it to build new homes across the country.

“This is part of wider efforts that have got Britain building again, leading to the delivery of 700,000 new homes since the end of 2009.

“I now want to see councils following Whitehall’s example and explore what they can do to release land and deliver new homes and savings for local taxpayers.”

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Housing starts are at their highest annual total since 2007, but it’s clear we need to maintain this momentum and build the homes communities want and need.

“That’s why for the last four years we’ve pulled out all the stops to release formerly-used surplus public sector land for housebuilding - meaning we have now exceeded our own target.”