Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Brownfield land definition

What does Brownfield land mean? Brownfield land describes, in planning and development practice, land that has been previously developed—typically occupied by a permanent building or other fixed surface infrastructure—and identified for redevelopment, as opposed to greenfield land. In England (and commonly in Scotland and Northern Ireland), the term is aligned with “previously developed land” (PDL) used in planning policy. PDL generally includes the curtilage of developed land and associated fixed infrastructure, but typically excludes: land last used for agriculture or forestry; mineral and waste sites where restoration is secured; private residential gardens, parks and allotments; and sites where former structures have blended into the landscape. Local...

Brownfield land investigations: a lawyer's guide to NQMS, Suitably Qualified Persons and Land Condition Records for planning and transactional due diligence

Published by a LexisNexis Environment expert

Practice notes

Meaning of Brownfield land

A Brownfield site is land that has been built on before and could be reused, enlarged or redeveloped. It usually comprises vacant, Derelict or under‑utilised industrial and commercial areas. Redevelopment may encounter theoretical or actual environmental constraints. Most commonly these stem from contamination arising from historic activities, though other constraints can include invasive plant species, flooding and archaeology.

What is the National Quality Mark Scheme?

The National Quality Mark Scheme (NQMS) for Land Contamination Management, introduced in 2017 by the National Brownfield Forum (formerly the Land Forum), provides a clear identifier for documents that have been quality‑checked by a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). Its purpose is to enhance confidence and improve the quality of submissions under regulatory processes, particularly planning applications, relating to brownfield land. It is recommended to view the map of local authorities that reference the NQMS.

What is a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)?

A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is an experienced professional with expertise in land contamination. Their role is to review documents to ensure they satisfy the scheme’s requirements...

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Jake Hawkey

Argyll Environmental

Jake holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Environmental Management & Assessment, combining academic expertise with over a decade of hands-on industry experience.He began his career with Argyll Environmental in 2011 as an environmental consultant, specialising in contaminated land and flood due diligence. This early work gave him invaluable insight into the practical challenges faced by property professionals navigating residential and commercial real estate transactions.Over the years, Jake has advanced into leadership roles, including serving as Consultancy Manager, where he successfully managed and delivered a wide range of complex contaminated land projects. His commitment to knowledge-sharing extends beyond his consultancy work—he has been a guest lecturer at Brighton University, contributing to the Environmental Auditor Course in partnership with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).Today, Jake is recognised for his ability to combine technical expertise with a deep...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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