Green + brownfields

• What is a brownfield site?

  An area of land that has been built on before and usually found in urban areas, older buildings are usually demolished before development takes place e.g london olympic park
• What is a greenfield site?

  An area of land that has never been built on before and usually found on the outskirts of urban areas e.g Toyota, Burnaston, Derby
• Benefits of developing greenfield sites

  No clean up costs which will save money

  More space available for gardens

  Often close to major motorways providing great access

  Often on the edge of cities where land is cheaper
• Costs of developing greenfield sites

  Planning permission may be problematic

  Farmland is lost

  Conflict with nearby residents

  Damages wildlife habitats/reduces biodiversity
• What are the benefits of developing brownfield sites in Birmingham?

  New green parks are being created to improve quality of local environment

  10,000 new jobs will be created

  Eases pressure on the nearby greenbelt which stops urban sprawl

  Unemployment is high due to the closure of the car factory in 2005 so many young people are looking forward to getting a job for the first time
• What are the costs of developing brownfield sites in Birmingham?

  Shop owners near Northfield will lose lots of trade

  Local house prices are rising which means local people may no longer be able to afford them

  There are concerns over increased traffic problems as a result of new shops