In the first-ever application of the "sequential test" for greenfield development, deputy prime minister John Prescott has ordered work to stop on a site in Gravesend, Kent.
The move, revealed by Building's Live News arm, makes use of the government's powers under PPG3.
Prescott overruled a planning inspectorate decision to allow housing on the 12 ha site because an urban capacity study had not been carried out to determine if a suitable brownfield site was available.
