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NPPF - Brownfield first has ‘social and economic benefits too’ but is reliant on tax relief, BPF tells inquiry

Speaking to a committee of MPs investigating the Government’s hotly debated planning reforms this afternoon, the British Property Federation stated a brownfield first approach not only protected the environment, but had social and economic benefits too.

Giving evidence at a separate Environmental Audit Committee last week, the BPF said building on brownfield land first was “morally right”. Going one stage further today it stated in addition to protecting the greenbelt and the countryside, the approach also had social and economic merits.

Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, told the inquiry: “Brownfield land first isn’t just about the environment; it neglects the social and economic benefits too. Agglomeration - where people and businesses are focused in a particular area – has long been cited as being beneficial to the economy and society.”

However the BPF warned the success of the brownfield first policy in the 1990s and 2000s partly relied on financial support from central government, including Land Remediation Relief – a tax relief designed to help recycle previously developed sites – that the Treasury recently consulted on removing.

The BPF believes this would be a mistake, as brownfield sites are typically not economically competitive for regeneration compared to greenfield sites.

Fletcher continued: “The success of the previous brownfield first policy was partly down to the planning policy, but also Government incentives which ensured those undertaking building on brownfield received tax relief to make it more competitive with greenfield.”

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Patrick Clift, Media and Public Affairs Manager, on 07834 439 505 or at pclift@bpf.org.uk

Paul Sweeney, Media Officer, on 07841 732 194 or at psweeney@bpf.org.uk

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