Reusing previously built-on "Brownfield" sites is an environmentally friendly solution to housing shortages. But there can be hidden dangers.
- A brownfield site is previously built-on land that has been abandoned, such as old factories or coal yards.
- Regeneration of a brownfield site is an appealing prospect for construction companies because of existing waste management and drainage systems and road links.
- 'Recycling' brownfield sites can hide dangerous legacies - for example, prior use for storing or discarding toxic substances, which if left unchecked poses a risk to public health.
- Brownfield sites must be carefully selected, cleared and made structurally safe before construction commences.
Over the last 100 years, longer life expectancy, changing family structures, and increasing immigration have plunged the United Kingdom into a housing crisis.
New houses must be built – fast.
But land for building is scarce on the densely populated British mainland.
So, new construction on abandoned industrial sites is ...
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