Brownfield land
Developing brownfield land for housing and leisure use protects greenfield areas and contributes to community wellbeing by tackling visual and economic issues.
The government has set a target for at least 60 per cent of new homes to be built on brownfield sites. In 2007 there were more than 62,000 hectares of previously developed land in England and 54 percent of the sites were vacant or derelict.
We are helping to release the potential of some of the country’s most challenging brownfield sites by levering in private investment and supporting local authorities to develop sites in a sustainable way. For example, through the National Coalfields Programme we are helping to create employment opportunities, homes, leisure facilities and public space in former coalfield communities across England
Brownfield strategies
We oversee the implementation of the National Brownfield Strategy for England which outlines six principles for the sustainable re-use of brownfield land, including managing environmental impact, ensuring high design standards and consulting with the local community. We also help local authorities to develop their own brownfield strategies and are supporting the development of the Brownfield Skills Strategy.
National Land Use Database
We manage the National Land Use Database on behalf of the government. The database contains information on previously developed land and buildings in England that may be available for development.
Last updated: 26 January 2010