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GLOSSARY

Brownfield land definition

Published by a LexisNexis Environment expert

What does Brownfield land mean?

Land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure; the opposite of greenfield or virgin land.

Brownfield land is defined in Planning Policy Statement 3 as 'land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure'. The definition excludes: land and buildings that are currently in use for agricultural or forestry purposes; land in built-up areas which has not been previously developed; land that was previously developed but where the remains of any structure or activity have blended into the landscape in the process of time.

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Environmental investigations—assessing the condition of brownfield land (SiLC and LCR)

Meaning of brownfield landA brownfield site is previously developed land that has potential for reuse, expansion or redevelopment. Typically, it covers abandoned, derelict or under-used industrial and commercial sites.Brownfield sites may have theoretical or real environmental constraints to redevelopment. Most commonly, such constraints will be due to contamination from historical uses, but they may also include other issues such as invasive plant species, flooding and archaeology.What is a SiLC?A Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) is a registered senior practitioner who has a broad awareness, knowledge and understanding of land condition issues. SiLCs come from a range of backgrounds in both the public and private sector. Most commonly they have a background in environmental consultancy or civil engineering. One of the key issues SiLCs advise on is contamination, but they will also be able to assess a wide range of other issues which affect land either directly or by using extended teams of skilled specialists. Appointing a SiLCWhen appointing a SiLC, it is advisable to look at the register which is...

Planning key developments tracker under the Labour government—2024/25

Planning key developments tracker under the Labour government—2024/25 STOP PRESS: The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was published on 11 March 2025. This content is being reviewed in accordance with the Bill. On 5 July 2024, a new Labour government was formed. This document tracks key announcements and developments made by the government concerning planning law and practice, including new policy statements, consultations, proposals for new legislation and guidance. Date What’s happened Find out more 24 March 2025 The Planning and Infrastructure Bill had its second reading. Key amendments include a right for local planning authorities to decline future planning applications from parties in certain circumstances and the introduction of a third-party right to appeal a grant of planning permission. This analysis sets out a summary of some of the key amendments, based on the 9 April 2025 Amendment Paper. See News Analysis: Planning and Infrastructure Bill—second reading. 17 March 2025 The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance on the new planning fees, which will be...

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