Involving communities in the effective and efficient reuse of contaminated and derelict land in England

Abstract

England has a legacy of disused and underused 'brownfield' or 'previously developed' land, especially in areas affected by the decline and closure of traditional industries. The discontinuation and changing requirements of military bases, schools, hospitals and even former housing areas from which the population has moved away are also contributory factors. This paper describes the development of a National Brownfield Strategy for England and the early stages of its implementation. The objectives of the strategy were to tackle the problems of urban dereliction, ensure a supply of land for redevelopment, leisure and recreational use, and promote best practice in the reuse of brownfield land. The six 'overarching' principles upon which the strategy is based are described, together with the four strands for policy implementation. The strategy is aimed at tackling the problems of deprivation in some of the poorer areas of England and addresses important environmental issues, recognising that disused and underused land can provide valuable habitats for both flora and fauna. Although the strategy was developed for use in England, seeking to return brownfield land to beneficial use, similar approaches could be applied elsewhere, especially in areas affected by de-industrialisation, where large tracts of land exist as derelict 'eyesores'.