Land Supply publications

The Brownfield Guide

The Brownfield Guide describes how brownfield sites may best be considered for reuse, whilst acknowledging that redevelopment may not always be appropriate. This document highlights the best practice approach to brownfield redevelopment adopted by English Partnerships.

• Introduction - PDF (332 KB)
• 1. The fundamentals - PDF (1 MB)
• 2. Returning brownfield land to beneficial use - PDF (1.95 MB)
• 3. Regulatory framework - PDF (895 KB)
• 4. A phased approach to brownfield redevelopment - PDF (1.5 MB)
• 5. Conclusions - PDF (627 KB)
• Annex A - Consultees, participants in workshops and other contributors - PDF (33 KB)
• Annex B - Case studies 1-4 - PDF (2.3 MB)
• Annex B - Case studies 5-9 - PDF (1.5 MB)
• Annex B - Case studies 10-11 - PDF (1.9 MB)
• Annex B - Case studies 12-14 - PDF (2.4 MB)
• Annex C - Tackling the problems of soil and water contamination - PDF (490 KB)
• Annex D - Best Practice Notes - PDF (2.2 MB)
• Annex E - Abbreviations and definitions - PDF (61 KB)
• Annex F - Websites - PDF (55 KB)

To order a hard copy please complete the Publications Order Form.

Contamination and Dereliction Remediation Costs (Best Practice Note 27)

This Best Practice Note (BPN) sets out guidance on assessing the costs of preparing, for redevelopment, previously developed land (PDL) or ‘brownfield’ sites affected by contamination or dereliction. It also provides guidance on preacquisition site investigations, as part of ‘due diligence’, and expands the remediation costs to include the problems associated with dereliction. Published February 2008

• Contamination and Dereliction Remediation Costs - PDF (439 KB)

Brownfield Skills Strategy

This consultation draws on the work undertaken to date to explore
the skills gap in the brownfield sector and suggests what may be
needed to produce a Brownfield Skills Strategy. Published October 2007

• Brownfield Skills Strategy - PDF (680 KB)

National Brownfield Strategy Recommendations to Government

This document outlines policy recommendations designed to bring thousands of hectares of blighted land back into beneficial use on behalf of communities. The recommendations were submitted to Government in May 2007 and a decision regarding their adoption as formal policy is expected in Autumn 2007.

• Brownfield Strategy Recommendations to Government - PDF (956 KB)

Brownfield Strategy Policy consultation workshop

This paper sets out the key policy issues that have been raised through the process of developing a National Brownfield Strategy for England. Published November 2006.

• Brownfield Strategy Policy consultation workshop - PDF (687 KB)
  

Brownfield Research Summary: The economic impact of recycling brownfield land

This study was commissioned by English Partnerships to review the economic impact and potential benefits arising out of the reuse of brownfield land. The study examined more than 300 sites in over 30 local authority areas. Published December 2006.

• The economic impact of recycling brownfield land - PDF (402 KB)
  

Brownfield Research Summary: One Permit or Two?

This study was commissioned by English Partnerships to compare interactions between the development process and the waste management and planning authorities in selected European countries.

It is intended to inform the consideration by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) of potential improvements to the structure and operation of the regulatory environment for development of Brownfield sites. Published in October 2006.

• One Permit or Two - PDF (238 KB)
  

Single Remediation Permit

Probably one of the most important brownfield initiatives in England, the aim of this research is to streamline regulatory approval for brownfield sites so that they minimise disruption to development and regeneration schemes, whilst also continuing to ensure scientific and environmental rigour. The research was led by Lattice Properties with a range of partners, including DEFRA, ODPM, the Environment Agency, companies from the property and insurance industries, and English Partnerships.

• Single Remediation Permit - PDF (307 KB)
  

Time on Database

This report highlights the length of time land and buildings have been designated as previously developed. It indicates when sites, currently recorded on the database, were first registered as previously developed, including sites recorded on the Derelict Land Survey of 1993. Published July 2007.

• NLUD Summary of 2006 Data Returns, Time on Database - PDF (1.3 MB)

Land Considered Suitable for Housing

This report compares the estimated housing capacity of vacant and/or derelict land and buildings across the regions. It highlights the potential for housing and compares it to the estimated annual regional requirements. Published July 2007.

• NLUD Summary of 2006 Data Returns, Land Considered Suitable for Housing - PDF (1.3 MB)

Proposed Use of Land and Buildings

This report compares the proposed use of previously developed land and buildings by region. It highlights the amount of land earmarked for housing and mixed-use schemes with housing. Published July 2007.

• NLUD Summary of 2006 Data Returns, Proposed Use of Land and Buildings - PDF (1.3 MB)

Distribution of Previously Developed Land

This report compares the relative distribution of previously developed land and buildings in the urban areas. It highlights the areas with higher than average concentrations of previously developed land. Published July 2007.

• NLUD Summary of 2006 Data Returns, Distribution of Previously Developed Land - PDF (458 KB)

April 2005, a portfolio of 96 sites no longer required by the Department of Health was transferred to English Partnerships. The portfolio, totalling 1,600 ha of land, offers a mixture of development opportunities across England.

This brochure sets out the detail of the programme, our role and commitment to making the best use of this surplus public sector land. Published July 2005.

• Hospital Sites Programme - PDF (572 KB)

   

The National Coalfields Programme

The £386.5m National Coalfields Programme is a vital strand of English Partnerships’ support of the ODPM's Sustainable Communities Plan. The Programme assists former coalfield communities across England by creating new employment, homes, leisure facilities and public space. This brochure highlights the work we carry out to ensure consistent high quality in design, partnership working, consultation and engagement through to long-term governance and stewardship. Published November 2004.

To order a hard copy please complete the Publications Order Form.

• The National Coalfields Programme - PDF (798 KB)

Creativity in the Coalfields

The National Coalfields Programme is bringing about the creative transformation of former colliery sites and adopting new and exciting regeneration techniques that have grown from close working with the coalfield communities. Published September 2005.

• Creativity in the Coalfields - PDF (405KB)

ATLAS - Implementing Planning Performance Agreements

This guidance note aims to provide local planning authorities, developers and other key agencies with the policy framework and a recommended process for developing and delivering individual Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) for complex development projects. Published April 2008

• Implementing Planning Performance Agreements - PDF (506 KB)

ATLAS - Planning Delivery Agreements Report 2006

In August 2005 ATLAS was commissioned to study the potential use of Planning Delivery Agreements in speeding up and improving the quality of planning applications and development. Published January 2006.

• Planning Delivery Agreements Report 2006 - PDF (1.8MB)

S106 Cascades report

The report intends to recommend a collaborative approach to affordable housing negotiations and introduces a framework to guide key partners through this part of the planning process including making the decision whether to use a cascade and, if it is deemed appropriate in the particular circumstances, how it can then be developed and drafted. Published October 2007.

• S106 Cascades report - PDF (503 KB)

Local Housing Companies

This paper describes the Local Housing Company approach and is intended to assist development of the concept with pilot Local Housing Authorities. Issued Novemeber 2007

Please note this document has been superseded by new guidance being issued to the 14 pilot Local Authorities and is published here for reference only.  If you are a Local Authority interested in establishing a LHC, please contact Jeff Hennessey on 020 7531 2461 or Janet Johnson on 01233 619 924.

• Local Housing Companies - PDF (1.1 MB)

Making Best Use of Surplus Public Sector Assets

This brochure sets out the skills and expertise of English Partnerships with those of other public sector bodies, in order to maximise the potential of previously-developed land and property. This brochure sets out our approach to the programme and the results so far.

• Making Best Use of Surplus Public Sector Assets - PDF (237 KB)

The Land Restoration Trust

This brochure sets out the vision of the Land Restoration Trust, its history, approach and aims, as well as the principles under which it operates.

• The Land Restoration Trust brochure - PDF (861 KB)