Policies prioritising the repurposing of abandoned land ('brownfield sites'), in order to spare undeveloped sites, are widely perceived to limit damage to biodiversity. However, brownfield sites can be of significant ecological value, providing scarce habitats, including as a source of greenspace in urbanised areas, and promoting ecological richness at landscape scales. Therefore, policies to promote brownfield site repurposing might do more harm than good in terms of preserving biodiversity, calling into question what the public understand by, and value in terms of, brownfield sites. To examine public opinions relating to the prioritisation of biodiversity in the selection of sites for development, we undertook a survey of 2,247 respondents in the UK. We found that a stigma exists against brownfield sites. Their ecological value is underappreciated, but those who associated brownfield sites with wildlife-related keywords viewed them more positively. Less importance was placed on a site's history of development (brownfield vs undeveloped) than on its actual value to wildlife when considering whether it should be repurposed, and to what use; repurposing to housing or renewable energy production were favoured when sites had little value to wildlife, regardless of whether they had previously been developed. Overall, our results suggest that to best serve the preferences of local people, future planning decisions should consider the current biodiversity value of a site alongside its status as a brownfield site or otherwise. The existing stigma against brownfield sites could be alleviated by outreach and education about the value of such sites to nature.
Citation
Macgregor, C., Deutz, P., Bunting, J., & Mayes, W. (2024). Conservation priorities for development: survey of UK public's views on brownfield sites and biodiversity. People, Place and Policy, 18(3), 135-163. https://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2024.4947649325
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
