Small Sites Aggregator: How Cornerstone Place Is Helping Unlock Land for Social Housing

At Cornerstone Place, we are happy we have been able to help in shaping the government’s new Small Sites Aggregator initiative, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This programme will help contribute to Kier Starmer's goal of building 1.5 million new homes and is a welcome recognition of the potential that small sites and SME builders have to accelerate housing delivery and increase access to social and affordable housing.

For over a year, we’ve been actively contributing data and on-the-ground insights to help inform the Small Sites Aggregator model. From complex urban infill plots to overlooked parcels of land owned by local authorities, our work shows that small sites can—and should—form a major part of the UK’s housing response.

Supporting the Small Sites Aggregator from Concept to Delivery

We’re particularly pleased to see the focus on supporting SME builders through this initiative. The Small Sites Aggregator aims to create a delivery framework that connects public sector land with capable developers and socially driven delivery partners. It’s an approach we have championed, and one that aligns directly with our mission.

Our contributions so far have included:

  •  Providing structured data and analysis to MHCLG to support the policy case particularly on Brownfield Land Release Funding

  •  Showcasing live projects that demonstrate the viability of small site development

  •  Advocating for asset-locked, community-first ownership models to ensure long-term social benefit

The next phase is where delivery takes shape — and Cornerstone Place can’t wait to see the Small Sites Aggregator’s operational model get underway.

Why Small Sites Matter

Too often, small parcels of land are dismissed as too difficult or too marginal. But our experience across dozens of schemes shows that these sites can deliver high-quality, sustainable homes—quickly and cost-effectively—when tackled with the right tools and partnerships.

The Small Sites Aggregator will help:

  •  Match supply with need by turning fragmented land into housing opportunities

  •  Unlock capital investment from government and socially responsible lenders

  •  Empower councils and community organisations to retain long-term ownership of homes

This is more than a technical fix. It’s a scalable, values-led solution to the UK’s housing crisis—and one that benefits not just tenants, but the taxpayer too.

A Step Forward for SME Builders and Social Impact Housing

The announcement marks a positive shift in government housing policy, recognising that SME builders, social enterprises, and local authorities can lead the charge on innovative, affordable housing.

By focusing on small sites, the government is creating room for:

  •  Faster delivery

  •  Lower risk

  •  High social return on investment

We’re proud to have worked with MHCLG, Housing Festival, local councils, and sector partners so far and hope to continue progress to help bring the Small Sites Aggregator initiative to life.