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ABSTRACT This paper discusses the need for a more robust definition of the term 'brownfield' from a multidisciplinary perspective. It examines the issues involved in constructing an agreed and accepted definition and its importance with regard to UK government policy. Current usage of the term 'brownfield' and related terminology is reviewed. The paper proposes that: a brownfield site is any land or premises which has previously been used or developed and is not currently fully in use, although it may be partially occupied or utilized. It may also be vacant, derelict or contaminated. Therefore a brownfield site is not necessarily available for immediate use without intervention. Interpretation of the terminology incorporated with the definition is presented herein. The definition is subsequently evaluated with respect to the views of different stakeholder groups involved in the redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Introduction: Why Define 'Brownfield'?
In the UK the term 'brownfield' has recently acquired political significance. In February 1998, the Government announced "a national target [for England] of at least 60% of new homes to be built on previously developed [brownfield] land by 2008" (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), 1998a, p. 8) This followed an earlier announcement of "4.4 million new households being required in England by 2016" (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), 1998, p. 1), a figure which has subsequently been reduced to 3.8 million by 2021 (Urban Task Force, 1999). Prior to this, in the Tenth Report of the Select Comittee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs, Philip Hanham MP suggested that:
Before deciding on the desirability of building housing on greenfield sites, in the Green Belt, in urban areas and brownfield sites, surely it must first be decided exactly what comprises 'greenfield', 'brownfield' and 'urban areas'? It would be pointless having a policy to concentrate development in urban areas and brownfield sites when there is still no dear, straightforward definition of these 'areas' and 'sites' available to county councils and local planning authorities (Select Committee on Environmental Transport and Regional Affairs, 1998, Q4, H110).
This situation is confirmed by a substantial body of research and anecdotal evidence and by reports of debates regarding the difficulties of redevelopment of brownfield in which local authority officials, in particular, have reiterated...