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LDA and HCA launch London brownfield database pilot set to transform land redevelopment process

Land redevelopment opportunities, including new homes, in London are set to be transformed, thanks to a new freely available online tool, launched today by the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Open to all, the London Brownfield Sites Database is the country’s most comprehensive database of land available for redevelopment. This is accompanied by a London specific Best Practice Guide to brownfield land in London.

The Database records around 2,300 previously developed “brownfield” sites across London, equivalent to more than 2% of the land in Greater London. This is an increase of over 1,000 sites than was recorded on the previous National Land Use Database (NLUD) system.

Using up-to-the minute Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, this includes transport routes, deprivation, social infrastructure, as well as heritage and natural environment assets. This is made possible by an Ordnance Survey mapping base that allows additional information to be overlaid. Visitors to the Database website will be able to identify sites suitable for development, and better explore and understand a site’s context.

At a time when developers are seeking greater certainty over site availability and site suitability, this information will help to establish clear redevelopment opportunities. Other regional stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, and English Heritage have contributed to the system. London Boroughs can use the data to inform their policies, site specific allocations, and housing and employment land availability assessments.

Peter Bishop, LDA Group Director of Design Development and Environment, said:

“We are delighted with the London Brownfield Sites Database and associated Good Practice Guidance. It provides a very efficient means of accessing information about our world class city. Thanks to the co-operation of Boroughs and regional partners, the Database significantly builds the level of regional intelligence on previously developed land.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Homes and Communities Agency, London Boroughs and our regional partners to promote sustainable development. “

David Lunts, HCA regional director for London, said:

“This new London Database demonstrates the value of an information tool which harnesses the latest technology in an intuitive and visual way.

“The Good Practice Guide is an ideal complement to the Database and an essential ‘how to’ for brownfield redevelopment in London. It will also be an essential tool for the HCA’s Single Conversation with our partners in the London boroughs.

“We are already considering how other parts of the country could benefit from this pilot.”

The HCA has said it will now use the Database as their preferred platform for other London Boroughs to record brownfield sites.

Edd Rowe, Senior Information and Research Officer at the London Borough of Lambeth, added:

"The London Brownfield Sites Database will be an invaluable tool for Local Authorities, developers and the public allowing them to keep track of available brownfield sites and what development constraints exist on them. Better monitoring of the brownfield sites available in London will greatly help efforts to maximise gains from regeneration throughout the city and the simple but effective map interface should become a standard for all public sector online mapping systems."

The LDA has committed ongoing resources to assist Boroughs in compiling their data and in providing support to users. So far, around 50 Borough officers have been trained on how to use the system.

The Database, which has also been shortlisted for an RTPI design award, will be formally launched at the Future of London Show on 8th October, and can be accessed at: London Brownfields Sites.

 

For further information contact the LDA news team: Robert Beasley 020 7593 8437 robertbeasley@lda.gov.uk Out of hours 07977 439371; public enqs 020 7593 9000. HCA press office: Helen Stoddart 020 7881 1615 Helen.Stoddart@hca.gsx.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The London Brownfield Sites Database can be accessed online via London Brownfields Sites. Registration is not required to view basic mapping data, but enhanced functionality is only available to those that register. Registration is free and online applications are normally processed within 48 hours.

Each site contained within the Database is either vacant and available for redevelopment, likely to become vacant soon, or currently going through the planning policy process to be promoted for appropriate uses.

2. The National Land Use Database of Previously Developed Land (NLUD PDL) database has been in place for ten years, and ultimately aims to “provide a consistent, comprehensive and up to date record of all Previously Developed Land and buildings in England that may be available for development, whether vacant, derelict, or still in productive use” (NLUD Partnership - English Partnerships - now part of the HCA - and CLG).

Recommendations for the first National Brownfield Strategy for England put forward by English Partnerships were formally accepted by Government at English Partnerships’ National Brownfield Conference in March 2008. A total of nine policy strands will be implemented across four parallel strands between now and 2013:

i) Strand One - Policies to identify, assess and prepare brownfield land for re-use to ensure an adequate supply of land when it is needed;
ii) Strand Two - Policies to safeguard the environment by ensuring the effective and efficient re-use of land;
iii) Strand Three - Policies to enhance communities and contribute to sustainability by removing blight and ensuring the long-term management of restored land; and
iv) Strand Four - Policies to address a shortage of skills in dealing with brownfield land by meeting the need for appropriately qualified and experienced practitioners.

3. The London Development Agency aims to support London's sustainable growth by helping to provide a high quality of life for Londoners. We are committed to making London a low carbon city and creating great spaces and places for Londoners to live and work.

We are targeting our investments through design led regeneration plans which combine environmental, housing and transport policies with the coordinated development of land and the improvement of public space.
Further information is available from www.ld.gov.uk.

4. About the Homes and Communities Agency
The HCA is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England. We bring together the development and regeneration expertise of English Partnerships, investment functions of the Housing Corporation, and the Academy for Sustainable Communities, with major delivery programmes of Communities and Local Government.

Our role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. We provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve quality of life by raising standards for the physical and social environment.

5. Arup were commissioned by the LDA and HCA to undertake of the London Brownfield Sites Review. Further information is available from www.arup.com.

6. Rade, an independent Web and IT solutions provider, were commissioned by Arup to create the online platform for sharing the London Brownfield Sites Database. Further information is available from: www.rade.net.

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