Brownfield land is an area of land and/or premises that have been previously used, but have subsequently become vacant, derelict or contaminated. This term is derived from its undeveloped opposite – ‘greenfield land’.

Brownfield sites typically require preparatory regenerative work before any new development can go ahead.  It can also be partly occupied. Brownfield land gained political significance in the UK after the Government set a national target in February 1998 to ensure 60 per cent of all new developments were built on these sites.

RICS’ position in a sentence

As much new development as possible should take place on previously developed sites (brownfield land) but the Government must be prepared to subsidise their clean up and reuse and should reduce VAT on refurbishment in order to encourage developers to revive existing sites.

RICS’ recommendation

To encourage the use of brownfield land national Government and local authorities should be prepared to fund work to clean up sites or extend transport links.

RICS’ view

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