A STRATEGY to increase the number of specialists working in the brownfield regeneration sector has been published.

The Brownfield Skills Strategy, published by the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) and English Partnerships, aims to support the Government's aim to build three million homes by 2020.

The strategy, out for public consultation until May 27, said at least 60 per cent of new homes will be built on brownfield sites.

But research has found that by 2012, there could be a shortfall of at least 75 per cent, or 680,000, workers.

This includes 300,000 engineers and developers and 140,000 surveyors.

Although there are 2,000 planning graduates each year, many will not have experience, said the report.

Trudy Birtwell, director of learning and skills at ASC, said: "The research reinforces the need for the sector to work together to secure, retain and develop a highly-skilled workforce with the expertise and confidence to unlock the potential of brownfield land. The consultation is still open and we hope that as many people as possible review the draft strategy and offer their support."