National Land Use Database

We manage the National Land Use Database of Previously Developed Land (NLUD-PDL) on behalf of government. The database contains information on previously developed land and buildings in England that may be available for development and is updated annually.

Land that has been previously developed is known as brownfield land. The NLUD-PDL classifies brownfield land into five main types:

• Previously developed land now vacant
• Vacant buildings
• Derelict land and buildings
• Previously developed land or buildings currently in use and allocated in local plan or with planning permission
• Previously developed land or buildings currently in use with redevelopment potential but no planning allocation or permission

The aim of the NLUD-PDL database is to provide a consistent, comprehensive, and up to date record of all previously developed land and buildings in England that may be available for development, whether vacant, derelict, or still in productive use.

Results and statistical briefs from the database are made available but please note that we do not supply any information on sites under the fifth category above, namely those currently in use with known potential for redevelopment, but no planning permission or allocation in a local plan.