LABOUR said local authorities may need to “release some elements” of green belt land and confirmed the restoration of mandatory housing targets as it set out its plans to build 1.5 million new homes over this Parliament today.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the government will step in to “ensure targets are met” if local plans are not put in place by next year.

“If local authorities can’t meet their targets through previously developed brownfield land in the first instance or in co-operation with neighbouring boroughs, they should look to then release low- quality grey belt land within the green belt,” he said.