Tag: brownfield

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Understanding Brownfield and Greenfield Land

Ever wondered about the meaning of the term “brownfield”? Read on to discover all you need to know.

What is Brownfield land?

Firstly, Brownfield land refers to previously developed land that is currently not in use and may potentially be contaminated. So, this term is commonly used to describe land that was previously utilized for industrial or commercial purposes. It is known or suspected to be polluted, including soil contamination due to hazardous waste.

Why is Brownfield land used?

Using brownfield land is advantageous because it involves the redevelopment of previously developed areas, which may have been used for industrial or commercial purposes and are now vacant. By reusing this land, it helps preserve green open spaces, which is beneficial for the environment.

Redevelopment of brownfield sites is a key part of the UK development strategy. It not only addresses environmental health hazards but also contributes to the overall cleanliness and improvement of the city. Moreover, it fosters the restoration of damages within the community. With the need to build an estimated 300,000 new homes annually, brownfield sites offer a potential solution to the UK’s housing shortage.

Furthermore, revitalizing brownfield land can breathe new life into areas that require significant attention, akin to recycling in the context of building development. However, it is crucial that we utilize the land wisely, prioritizing brownfields and safeguarding greenfields.

Now, let’s delve into the concept of “greenfields” and why they hold importance.

Greenfields are areas of land that have not yet been developed upon. Typically, these are open fields or lands restricted from public access, owned either by private individuals or government entities. In addition, the name “greenfield” conveys the idea that these untouched lands will remain green, while developed lands tend to appear brown due to construction and urbanization.

Paul Greenwood / Alamy

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Everything you need to know about Brownfield land

Firstly, have you ever heard the term brownfield and wondered what it meant? Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know.  

What is brownfield land?  

Brownfield land is previously developed land that is not currently in use that may be potentially contaminated. The term is also used to describe land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes with known or suspected pollution. This includes soil contamination due to hazardous waste. 

Why should you use brownfield land?  

Because brownfields are previously developed and have been used for industrial, commercial, the land is now vacant. By reusing this land, you are leaving the green open spaces alone, which is better for the environment.  

Redevelopment of brownfield sites at the top of the UK development strategy. It not only cleans up the environmental health hazards, it helps with the cleanliness of the city. in addition, it also encourages restoring damages in the community. With an estimated need to build 300,000 new homes per year, brownfield sites could be the answer to the UK’s housing shortage.  

Renovating brownfield land can breathe new life into areas most in need. It is the building’s equivalent of recycling. However, it is vital that we use the land wisely, prioritising brownfields and protecting Greenfields.   

What is a greenfield and why it’s important –  

Firstly, greenfield land is a land that has not yet been built on. They are usually open fields, kept off-limits by the general public by a private or government entity. The idea of the names was that the vibrant untouched land will be green, and the developed land will look brown.  

The Advantage and disadvantages of brownfield sites –  

 For example, advantages:

  • More likely to get planning permission  
  • Stop city expansion as its already in the city  
  • Building on brownfields are better for the environment 
  • Cheaper because you don’t have to put road access and drainage in  

For example disadvantages:

  • Have to clear or destroy what the land was originally used for 
  • Buying land is expensive  
  • Less space for gardens  
  • Don’t have much choice on what to build 
  • Decontamination costs can be expensive  

Planning permission –  

The new policy announced by the government will see automatic planning permission granted on brownfield sites in an attempt to raise the productivity of the economy.  

Finally, the annual state of brownfield report shows that there is enough suitable brownfield land available in England for more than 1 million homes across over 18,000 sites.  

Enough Brownfield land for one million homes – Friends of the Peak District

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