Construction

Tax plans to discourage new estates in remote areas

The proposals could either lead to new taxes or levies on greenfield site developments outside of built-up urban areas, or tax reliefs for developments on brownfield sites within existing urban areas

New taxes or levies could be on the cards to encourage compact development and disincentive one-off housing developments. Picture: PA

The government is drawing up plans to discourage one-off housing developments including potential new taxes on developers building in rural areas, the Business Post can reveal.

In a move that is likely to cause significant disquiet in rural communities and raise fears over the cost of new homes, the coalition is examining new taxes, or tax reliefs, which would make it more attractive to build on previously developed sites in or near built-up areas.

The ...