When we think of buying plots of land, we tend to think of vacant grassy patches. But not all plots of land look like this.
‘Brownfield land’ is a name given to land that has already been developed by a previous owner, but is no longer in use. Such plots may contain abandoned buildings, disused car parks, rubble or industrial waste.
These plots often have to be thoroughly cleaned and cleared before they can be used for any other purpose. This does make developing these plots more costly. However, such plots do have the advantage of often already containing infrastructure like plumbing and access to electricity, as well as being found in more central urban locations.
If you are thinking of buying brownfield land to develop, there are a few things that you need to know first. This guide delves into some of the important steps to take when developing brownfield land.
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Get a detailed survey
A land survey is essential before buying brownfield land. On top of giving you a clear idea as to the perimeters of the land, a detailed land survey can tell you what types of infrastructure already exist there and what needs to be done to repurpose the land. If there are abandoned buildings on the land, you could even get these surveyed to determine if they are structurally sound enough to convert into new buildings rather than demolishing them.
Look into planning permission
A major benefit of brownfield land is that it is often much easier to obtain a planning permit. Because the land has already been previously used, there does not need to be as much investigation into the quality of the ground or its impact on neighbours.
That said, you shouldn’t skip a permit altogether. And, importantly, don’t assume every application will get approved. Certain developments are rejected if there are listed buildings on the site or if there is a risk of infringing on the privacy of others. You can apply for a permit via your local department of planning online.
Budget for demolition and clear-up
If the plot of land contains an abandoned structure that you do not wish to convert, you will have to look into hiring demolition contractors to tear it down. You will then need to possibly pay extra to clean up the site. Make sure to budget for these costs when buying brownfield land. You don’t want to spend all your money clearing it and then not have enough to develop the land. Converting an existing structure may save money compared with demolishing a structure to build a new one. However, this isn’t always practical.
Communicate with the local community
Brownfield sites are often located in urban areas where lots of people are likely to be living or working. Before you make any developments, you will need to make sure that you have the local community on your side. Most brownfield development projects are welcomed by the locals. Many people welcome the chance to remove an abandoned eyesore and put something new in its place. This rejuvenates the area in the process.
However, not all brownfield development projects will have the same reaction. If there is an abandoned building that was a place of fond memories for the locals (or indeed a historical building), you may receive some backlash. Consider talking to locals before buying a brownfield plot to determine what people’s feelings are.