Brownfield site versus greenfield site

Many environments believe that new developments should be on built Brownfield sites- that is land within the built-up area that has been abandoned and is now lying idle- rather that on Greenfield sites.

With all land uses, there are arguments for and against each type of site.

Brownfield site advantages:  

• Reduces the loss of countryside and land that might be put to agricultural or recreational use
• Helps to revive old and disused urban areas
• Services such as water, electricity, gas and sewage already in place
• Located nearer to main areas of employment so commuting reduced 

Brownfield site disadvantages:

• Often more expensive because old buildings have to be cleared and land made free of pollution 
• Often surrounded by rundown areas so does not appeal to more wealthy people as residential locations 
• Higher levels of pollution; less healthy 

Greenfield site advantages:

• Relatively cheap and rates of house building is faster  
• The layout is not hampered by previous development so can easily be made efficient and pleasant 
• Healthier environment 

Greenfield site disadvantages:

• Valuable farm or recreational space lost
• Attractive scenery lost
• Wildlife and their habitats lost or disturbed 
• Development causes noise and light pollution in the surrounding countryside 
• Encourages suburban sprawl 

A brownfield site
















A greenfield site

Case Study: Southampton

Southampton is a city with a population of just over 200,000.

Nursling industrial park

The main businesses on this large estate locates beside the M217 are so called service industries, of which distribution are storage are the main ones.

Southampton Science Park

17 hectare development in a prime location close to the M3 motorway to London. The science park provides high-quality office and laboratory space in attractive landscape surroundings. Companies such as BskyB rub shoulders with young, fast-growing technology companies in fields such as nanotechnology. Result is a thriving business and research community of over 60 companies.

Hedge End Retail Park 

This out-of-town shopping centre is one of the largest retail parks in South of England. Located just off the M27.

Adanac Business Park 

74 acre site The park is earmarked for major office developments and 'large space' occupiers like the Ordnance Survey.