AS demand for new housing continues to escalate, small brownfield sites on the edge of towns and villages are now exceeding £650,000 per acre, with sites near towns like Evesham and Cheltenham often fetching £800,000 to £1 million or more per acre.

"These smaller brownfield sites such as disused garages, working men's clubs, timber yards or small engineering units, can be less contentious than larger sites, especially if the scheme includes an office development or retail outlet to enhance the local economy," said Anthony Mayell, who heads chartered surveyors Fisher German's Dumbleton office.

He explained that site values were often inflated as private buyers outbid the developer who needed to build a profit into his offer.

Quarter acre brownfield sites on the edge of villages with good access and main services could exceed £1500,000 per plot, as demonstrated in a village where some unattractive chicken sheds sold with planning consent for two bungalows.

Mr Mayell said occasionally some builders were put off by the high cost of clearing brownfield sites, for example, removing petrol storage tanks, but they now had builders registered who were experienced in dealing with such issues.

Further information is available from Anthony Mayell on 01386 881214.