London Brownfield Sites Review (Stage 2) - ARUP - Royal Town Planning Institute

London Brownfield Sites Review (Stage 2) - ARUP

27-Jan-10

E-Government Award Winner 2009

Sponsored by Planning Officers Society

Summary

The London brownfield sites review has resulted a in the development of a database that provides data linked to mapping that users can interrogate easily, allows data to be customised and sets a benchmark for developing an accessible way to identify sites for potential reuse.

Background

Brownfield land, particularly when it is derelict, can have a negative impact on perceptions of safety and crime, economic prosperity, and attractiveness for investment. Those working to make more productive use of brownfield land need access to accurate and up to date information on potential sites and their characteristics. Arup, with a planner in the lead, was instrumental in establishing a system to deliver this for London. Stage 1 of the London Brownfield Sites Review had identified a number of shortcomings in current knowledge of brownfield sites in London, including low levels of return and variable quality of data by local authorities to the national land use database (NLUD). NLUD aims to record of all previously developed land and buildings in England that may be available for development. However the problems is that the majority of existing web based mapping solutions deal with static information that the user cannot control, provide maps that cannot be scaled; and have limited layers of information.

Project Description

The Homes and Communities Agency wanted to use the data for more detailed analysis and to enable boroughs to update and amend site information more easily. The London Development Agency also hoped to identify sites and promote their reuse where appropriate. Arup was therefore commissioned to undertake the stage 2 review to develop a new database of brownfield sites in London with a linked website, a good practice guide to the redevelopment, and an action plan, to ensure they could be maintained and developed. The database they devised is based on NLUD, but captures more information about each site to a higher degree of accuracy, and includes smaller sites (<0.25ha) not previously included. The website provides user friendly access to the database allowing boroughs to retain ownership of their data, other stakeholders can feed into, and prospective development partners can access. Creating a database and website that met all the criteria of the brief was a significant task.

Planning Achievements

A major strength of the solution was the data gathering process in compiling sites and site data. Arup worked with all 33 London local authorities to update the NLUD returns. Information was also sought on smaller sites, below the 0.25ha NLUD threshold. In all, the study team held around 70 meetings with boroughs, exchanged thousands of emails and phone calls, and worked meticulously to ensure that data took full advantage of boroughs local knowledge. This is important as each borough will continue to be responsible for its own data;
Through discussions and involvement in the study steering group, a high level of support and buy in was achieved with a wide range of stakeholders. This had a number of positive effects as stakeholders were able to shape the website and GIS interface and to offer their own sites and/or metadata for inclusion within the database;
The London Brownfield Sites Database:
        • provides data linked to mapping that users can interrogate easily;
        • allows data to be customised by switching on or off 30 layers of metadata e.g. flood risk;
        • ensures site and data confidentiality where necessary;
        • sets a benchmark for developing an accessible way to identify sites for potential reuse;
The project involved working with professionals on the ground to produce a robust system that is likely to be maintained and developed because it adds value. As a bonus it has created a network of professionals keen to apply their experience in London and elsewhere, and has informed a nationwide review of NLUD and its implementation.

Representatives from Arup receiving their award for E-Government from Ann Skippers, President of the RTPI, and awards host Justin Webb.

Key Participants

Arup, London Development Agency, Homes and Communities Agency and Rade New Media Ltd.