The need for development can require us to come across different aspects, and greenfield is one of them. The totally undeveloped sites are referred to as greenfields, whereas brownfield is the jargon for abandoned or underutilised properties. However, these concepts are not limited to their meanings, and there is a broader picture. This blog will serve the purpose of taking the readers to the different aspects needed for a better understanding of greenfield vs brownfield.
The Greenfield, Brownfield, and Green Belt
To begin understanding these terms, let us first look at their meaning.
Greenfield Site
A greenfield site refers to the piece of land on which nothing has been built ever. Generally, it can be an architectural land or an undeveloped terra firma in a rural area or even a city. People often look for these lands to accomplish their purpose of establishing commercial projects such as manufacturing plants.
Brownfield site
A brownfield site refers to the previously used terrains with the possibility of turning worse and being left unused. These locations are used previously for industrial or commercial purposes and are usually abandoned. Developing them again into productive projects can reduce the environmental impacts and enhance the social foundation of the communities.
Greenbelt
The term greenbelt does not revolve around the description of the land. Instead, it is a planning policy designed for the purpose of growth management. Initially, its purpose was to obstruct the spread of London outwards. Upon its designation into other areas of England, many new aspects were also added.
Today, it majorly centres on obstructing the merging of neighbourhood settlement, safeguarding the setting of historic towns, and promoting reusing brownfield land. Even though it is picturised as green fields, it also includes areas of already developed land. It can, in fact, cover an entire village.
Getting permissions for the sites
Local authorities are more precautious about planning in the green belt. Any greenfield or brownfield site that accomplishes the development needs can lead to the possibility of denial of permissions.
However, if the council cannot find a way to accomplish the five-year housing targets, you can come up with arguments for the release of greenbelt land. It can be looked up, especially if there is a lack of possibilities of buildout in other sites.
Greenfield Site
To get the planning permission, the first step is to go for the land promotion agreement, which you can choose accordingly. After this, you must conduct a phase 1 site inspection survey. This report will comprise the previous use of the considered land or adjoining areas. The locations should have the potential to act as sources of contamination, pathways, and receptors.
Considering that the site inspection survey has brought results, you can go for topographic, drainage, ecological, flood, and tree surveys. Once done with them, you must go ahead to seek planning applications from a local planning authority or LPA. If you face any difficulty in this step, you can seek a planning consultant like us at ADL.
Planning development can need you to consider several aspects, to begin the design phase. That’s where you need to consult architectural professionals for the design of greenfield development.
Which type of land should you consider?
The selection of land for the purpose of development can need you to look after several factors. Talking of the green belt only, even though the location and many of its aspects can seem alluring, there are several other parts that you need to consider. Here are some of them:
- The permanent loss of open countryside can negatively impact the environment, ecology, and society.
- Possibilities of separation of development from prevailing social and physical infrastructure.
- A fall in permeable surfaces can provide support to natural drainage.
- Rise in demands on utility networks and rural roads, which might already be functioning at a pre-existing capacity.
Greenfield VS Brownfield
We now need to draw the bottom line on greenfield vs brownfield. For this, let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of both the sites:
Greenfield Site
Here are the advantages of choosing an unused greenfield site:
- The flexibility of designs that can meet project requirements
- Can be owned or leased
- Possibilities for future expansion
- Faster construction timelines
Along with the benefits, here are the set of disadvantages:
- The need for infrastructure installation
- Distance from the services of the city
- Longer travel distances for employees
- Possibilities of being seen as an urban sprawl
- Chances of being viewed as the source of negative influence on the environment
Brownfield Site
An abandoned or unutilised site can come with some benefits and negatives, and you can take a look at them here. A brownfield site:
- Reduces the destruction of Greenland and sprawl
- Leads to the redevelopment of the section of a city
- Possibilities of already usable infrastructure in use
- Enhances brand image by investing in the locality
- Incentives and grants for improvements and clean up
Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the disadvantages of using brownfield site, and here they are:
- Intricacies in development with the discovery of any contaminants
- Longer timelines for constructions generally
- Increased risk of overrunning of costs because of unexpected developments
- Chances of slowing construction and limited expansions because of possible space constraints.
Final Thoughts
Construction and expansion have somehow become necessary for the growth and development of a nation. However, we need to look at the different aspects involved in the process. It can include the land and site to be put into use. This blog focused on learning about green belt, greenfield, and brownfield sites. Using a whole new piece of the land-greenfield site can come up with benefits such as faster timelines and the chances of expansion in future. However, we cannot ignore its impact on the environment. Well, that’s where we need to focus on greenfield vs brownfield.
Brownfield sites can be time-consuming and even cost extra. However, it has several benefits such as incentives, brand recognition, redevelopment of the city, and many others. If you have decided about going ahead or are looking for more suggestions, you can reach our consultants at ADL.
