England’s Land Must Work Harder And Smarter For A Secure Future

With the demand for 1.5 million new homes, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and the creation of new communities, England’s land is under unprecedented pressure. A new Land Use Framework aims to guide how we balance these urgent demands—while also safeguarding the environment and supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy.

But will it go far enough?

Underestimating the Space We Truly Need

Current analysis by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimates that around 1.1% of agricultural land (150,000 hectares) will need to be repurposed by 2050 to meet the UK’s housing and infrastructure needs. This figure, however, may be overly optimistic.

While the Land Use Framework acknowledges the potential for multifunctional landscapes—where housing, nature, energy, and food production coexist—what’s missing is a realistic view of scale.

To build thriving communities, we don’t just need land for homes. We need space for roads, schools, hospitals, renewable energy projects, and utilities. Historical land conversion trends suggest we may need much more land than DEFRA currently anticipates.

The Case for Clarity and Collaboration

The consultation outlines several high-level principles, such as prioritising land based on its strengths (for example, preserving the best agricultural land for food production) and integrating spatial planning across sectors.

While these goals are admirable, without a clear implementation strategy, they risk remaining theoretical. To make progress, we must see stronger cross-departmental collaboration—bringing together:

• DEFRA

• The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

• Local planning authorities

• Developers

• Environmental experts

A working group focused on land use change could help bridge these interests and ensure that the UK’s housing targets, environmental goals, and infrastructure development are aligned, not in conflict.

Going Digital: The Future of Land Transparency

Another critical step forward is the digitisation of land and property data. By introducing digital logbooks for land and properties, we can centralise key information—such as planning permissions, environmental data, and infrastructure requirements—making it accessible to everyone from developers to buyers.

By linking government spatial data with Land Registry records and local authority databases, digital logbooks could help streamline the buying and planning process, reduce delays, and promote informed decision-making. For rural and development land, these could also include data like:

• Soil classification

• Renewable energy installations

• Access routes

• Environmental designations

At Reliance Residential, we support initiatives that offer clarity, transparency, and forward-thinking when it comes to land use. As we work with buyers, sellers, and developers, it’s clear that a more flexible, joined-up approach to land is essential for securing the homes and infrastructure our communities need for the future.

Looking to invest, develop, or make your next move in a changing market?
We’re here to help: relianceresidential.co.uk