Land Securities Group PLC and British Land Co PLC have jointly called for comprehensive reforms to the British planning system in order to support the regeneration of old industrial sites. These two prominent commercial real estate developers argue that implementing a “planning re-set” would bring about a host of benefits for the United Kingdom, including increased economic growth, job creation, and the development of more housing options. Importantly, they emphasize that these changes can be achieved without the need for new legislation or substantial government funding.
The focus of their proposed reforms lies in addressing the challenges associated with brownfields, which are abandoned or underutilized areas that were previously occupied by factories, docks, or other industrial facilities. Landsec and British Land seek to simplify and streamline the complex layers of the existing planning system, alleviating the burden on overwhelmed planning authorities.
A key aspect of their proposal involves establishing brownfield urban renewal sites as a distinct planning category. By prioritizing these areas and adopting a “quick wins” approach, they aim to stimulate economic growth throughout the UK. The developers advocate for allocating additional resources to the planning system and promoting proportionate decision-making, where planning authorities make decisions at a level where their effects are most acutely felt.
Furthermore, Landsec and British Land suggest implementing tax incentives to encourage investments in infrastructure and the remediation of contaminated old industrial sites. By incentivizing these activities, they hope to drive further urban redevelopment and unlock the potential for growth and prosperity in cities across the country.
Both Mark Allan, CEO of Landsec, and Simon Carter, CEO of British Land, emphasize the significant impact that urban renewal of old industrial sites can have on the overall progress and well-being of cities in the UK. They believe that the existing planning system acts as a hindrance to such growth and stress the need to prioritize urban regeneration over greenfield development, which enjoys political consensus.
