Brownfield land: policy priorities from environmental experts

The last few years have been a pivotal period for Brownfield Land. The IES Land Condition Community is a key forum for those discussions, so it has been a crucial forum for considering the future of UK policy on brownfield land.

In 2023, we held a series of discussions to consolidate discussions across the sector, reaching a consensus on what professionals believe are the most urgent priorities. At the start of 2024, we brought those conversations together as this briefing document on policy priorities for brownfield land, which we used to engage with policy makers and other experts as we worked towards the shared objective of the safe use, reuse, and redevelopment of brownfield land in line with sustainable development and the potential to secure multiple benefits for society, the economy, and the environment.

These priorities were well-received, helping to influence decision makers in a year that saw several key consultations around the future of planning and brownfield land.

This paper was instrumental in developing the land chapter of Our Shared Mission for Sustainable Wellbeing, which has formed the basis of our engagement with the UK Government since the 2024 general election.

Header image credit: © Philip J Openshaw via Adobe Stock