Monitoring

Brownfield register

What is the purpose of a brownfield register?

The purpose of the register is to provide up-to-date and consistent information on sites that we consider to be appropriate for residential development, having regard to the criteria set out in regulation 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017.

What is previously developed (brownfield) land?

Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed) and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or was last occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill, where provision for restoration has been made through development management procedures; land in built-up areas such as residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape.

Where has the information on brownfield sites come from?

The brownfield register is informed by a number of sources. These include:

  • our call for sites, which was undertaken in 2014 and 2016
  • existing records of sites from submitted planning applications in the last 12 months
  • site allocations in the adopted Central Bedfordshire Development Plan which have a reasonable prospect of being developed
  • public land and employment land registers

How are the sites assessed?

All sites included on the brownfield register have been assessed as meeting the National Planning Policy Framework’s (NPPF) definition of previously developed land (link opens in new window) (brownfield land.) The amount of development identified for each site is a guide only, unless planning permission has been granted, but has been informed by our site assessment process and the landowner/developer’s view on the number of houses that can be developed.

To be considered suitable for housing, sites must meet the definition of brownfield land and be:

  • capable of supporting five or more dwellings or more than 0.25 hectares
  • in a suitable location for housing (informed by national and local planning policies) and free from major constraints
  • available for residential development
  • achievable (i.e. the development is likely to take place within 15 years of the entry date)

Where you can view or download the brownfield register

The brownfield register is available in CSV format:

How will the register be updated and how can I submit a site?

In order to keep the brownfield register up-to-date an annual review will remove those sites which have been developed and add new sites which have become available. If you would like to submit a brownfield site for the formal register, that you think should be developed for housing, please complete and submit the form below. A site can be submitted at any time. We will then assess the site and let you know if it is eligible to be included.

Download brownfield register site submission form (PDF 74.7KB)

Download briefing note (PDF 393.2KB)

If you have any queries please contact the Local Plan team via email at email localplan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk