Brownfield site redevelopment has become an increasingly attractive option for addressing the housing shortage in the UK. These previously developed plots of land, which may contain abandoned structures or have undergone demolition, offer unique opportunities for building new homes and repurposing unused spaces.
Despite the challenges that may arise during the redevelopment process, such as complicated planning regulations and the need to address potential contamination issues, brownfield sites provide a promising solution for creating new housing while preserving green spaces.
The UK government has recently allocated funding to support local authorities in bringing forward brownfield sites for development, which could lead to increased opportunities for self-builders and other developers looking to contribute to the country’s housing needs.
In this article, we explore in more detail on what brownfield sites are, and how our team RLR Demolition Ltd can help you.
What does Brownfield Site Redevelopment refer to?
Brownfield site redevelopment typically refers to areas located in urban areas, which makes them well-suited for housing projects. Planning authorities often view proposals for redeveloping brownfield sites with enthusiasm.
Recently, the government has expressed support for building on brownfield land as a means of helping to meet the target of constructing 300,000 new homes each year.
Undertaking a self-build project on a brownfield site can be a challenging endeavor, but it can also be immensely rewarding for those who possess the necessary knowledge and expertise. Here is what you should keep in mind.
If the land was previously occupied by permanent structures but is now vacant, it can also be considered a brownfield site. The term “recycled land” is sometimes used to refer to brownfield sites, as they are seen as suitable for repurposing.
In contrast, greenfield sites are areas of land that have never been developed, such as agricultural land and ancient woodland. The general consensus is that greenfield sites should be preserved while brownfield sites should be used for commercial and residential purposes.
Why brownfield sites are underused?
There are several reasons why brownfield sites are not being used more extensively despite their abundance. Firstly, they are typically located in areas with lower economic growth, resulting in lower demand for commercial and residential properties, which explains why they are often left vacant.
Additionally, if buildings on the site cannot be repurposed, demolition may be necessary, which can be costly and may require additional expenses such as asbestos surveys. Moreover, viable brownfield sites that are in high demand and require minimal work are often quickly acquired by developers, making it difficult to find suitable plots for repurposing.
Rebuilding on brownfield sites can also be expensive, especially if the land requires decontamination due to past industrial use, which involves additional costs and time-consuming procedures.
Finally, builders may be hesitant towards brownfield site redevelopment because of the potential for unexpected hazards, which may pose greater risks than greenfield sites.
Benefits of Building on Brownfield Sites
Self-builders may find small brownfield sites appealing due to the benefits they offer. If the site has existing infrastructure, such as drainage and electricity, this can help reduce costs.
Additionally, obtaining planning permission may be easier for brownfield sites compared to undeveloped land. This is ideal for land remediation projects that you may wish to carry out.
After addressing any contamination issues and securing planning permission, building on a brownfield site is similar to other types of housing construction.
Challenges of Building on Brownfield Sites
Building on brownfield sites can present certain challenges, including:
- They can be more difficult to build on compared to greenfield sites.
- Brownfield sites are often considered high-risk by builders due to unknown site conditions.
- Logistics can be complicated, requiring many heavy goods vehicles to access the site.
- Brownfield development requires navigating complex planning regulations and obtaining approval from neighboring residents.
Circumstances in which demolition is required
If a brownfield site has existing structures, such as old garages or other buildings, that need to be demolished, it can present a unique set of challenges. Here are some of the key considerations:
- The existing structure may be in poor condition, making it difficult to safely and efficiently take it down without endangering neighboring properties and passersby.
- Planners will likely require evidence that proper measures have been taken to address the risks associated with demolition, such as dust and noise mitigation strategies.
- Competent demolition contractors should be able to provide the necessary paperwork and comply with planning conditions before work can begin on site.
- Asbestos is a common hazard encountered during demolition, and an asbestos survey will be required to identify any risk to workers and the surrounding area.
- Anything that tends to form dust or powder is highly hazardous and must be handled with extreme care during removal.
- Asbestos cement roofing sheets are considered a relatively low hazard, as long as the asbestos is bound into the cement and the sheets can be removed without creating any dust.
- Removing asbestos cement sheets does not require a dedicated asbestos contractor, but the material must be taken to a licensed waste disposal facility and a professionally managed system must be in place for its safe removal from the site.
Overall, the demolition of existing structures on a brownfield site requires careful planning, compliance with regulations, and adherence to safety measures to ensure that the process is completed safely and efficiently.
What is Brownfield Land Funding?
In 2021, the UK government announced the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) with a total value of £75 million, which includes £25 million dedicated to helping local authorities bring forward brownfield sites for housing development, including self and custom-built serviced plots.
Although the fund is aimed primarily at local authorities, it will indirectly support the delivery of more plots for individuals interested in self-build projects.
Local councils are eligible to apply for this funding, and in October, the government confirmed that £5 million had been allocated to councils to develop plots on both brownfield and greenfield sites. These councils can now apply for the second round of funding.
Need more help relating to Brownfield Site Redevelopment?
Brownfield sites have the potential to address the ongoing housing shortage, reduce pressure on the property market, and increase homeownership opportunities in the UK.
With the availability of more funding for brownfield development projects, we foresee a positive future for these “recycled” plots, particularly as an alternative to greenbelt land.
If you would like to learn more about brownfield development or need assistance finding the ideal plot for your project, please contact our team at RLR Demolition.