What Is a Brownfield Site?

A brownfield site is previously developed land that is available for reuse, often prioritised by planning policy for new housing.

What is a brownfield site?

A brownfield site - officially called "previously developed land" (PDL) - is land that has been previously built on or used for development purposes. This includes former industrial sites, old factories, disused car parks, derelict buildings, and redundant commercial premises.

The term distinguishes it from "greenfield" land, which has not been previously developed - typically farmland or open countryside.

Why brownfield development matters

Brownfield development is a major priority in UK planning policy for several reasons:

• Protecting the countryside - building on brownfield sites reduces pressure to develop greenfield land and green belt
• Regenerating urban areas - redeveloping derelict sites improves the appearance and vitality of towns and cities
• Using existing infrastructure - brownfield sites are often near roads, utilities, and public transport
• Meeting housing targets - the government estimates there is enough brownfield land in England for over 1 million new homes

Planning policy and brownfield land

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) gives "substantial weight" to the value of using suitable brownfield land for homes. Key policies include:

• Councils must maintain a brownfield land register - a public list of all brownfield sites suitable for housing
• Sites on Part 2 of the register benefit from Permission in Principle (PiP), a simplified planning route
• Plan-making should prioritise brownfield development over greenfield
• Higher densities are encouraged on brownfield sites, particularly in urban areas with good transport links

Challenges of brownfield development

Building on brownfield sites isn't always straightforward:

• Contamination - former industrial sites may have contaminated soil requiring remediation
• Demolition costs - clearing existing structures can be expensive
• Irregular plots - sites may be awkward shapes or sizes
• Services - existing utilities may need diverting or upgrading
• Viability - the costs of brownfield development can make schemes commercially difficult

How to find brownfield sites

Every council in England must publish a brownfield land register. You can also use Planning Signal to research development activity in specific areas - use our postcode search to see current and recent planning applications, or browse council directories for area-level data.

Key facts

• Brownfield means previously developed land, not necessarily contaminated land
• The NPPF gives "substantial weight" to brownfield development
• Councils must maintain a brownfield land register
• Permission in Principle can apply to registered brownfield sites
• Government estimates suggest capacity for 1 million+ homes on brownfield land