CPRE, the countryside charity
@cprecountryside.bsky.social
We’re CPRE, the countryside charity. Together, we can help our beautiful countryside thrive, for everyone’s benefit.
www.cpre.org.uk
www.cpre.org.uk
Our research shows nearly 60% of the biggest solar farms are built on top-tier agricultural land, needlessly sacrificing landscapes we should be protecting.
Renewable energy is vital. But it should bring communities together, not drive them apart.
Renewable energy is vital. But it should bring communities together, not drive them apart.
October 14, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Our research shows nearly 60% of the biggest solar farms are built on top-tier agricultural land, needlessly sacrificing landscapes we should be protecting.
Renewable energy is vital. But it should bring communities together, not drive them apart.
Renewable energy is vital. But it should bring communities together, not drive them apart.
We spent time speaking up for our countryside, engaging with MPs and our CEO, Roger Mortlock spoke on a panel about the importance of effective land use. [2/2]
October 13, 2025 at 2:49 PM
We spent time speaking up for our countryside, engaging with MPs and our CEO, Roger Mortlock spoke on a panel about the importance of effective land use. [2/2]
Our most recent data shows that brownfield sites are spread across the country with a high proportion in London where demand for housing is highest.
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Our most recent data shows that brownfield sites are spread across the country with a high proportion in London where demand for housing is highest.
But greenfield developments often need some kind of state subsidy as well. They are often car dependent so the state needs to build expensive new bypasses to serve them
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
But greenfield developments often need some kind of state subsidy as well. They are often car dependent so the state needs to build expensive new bypasses to serve them
Hi Jennifer, thanks for raising
Yes - brownfield sites will often need state support to be viable. We believe that this is good investment because it removes public health hazards and/or helps regenerate existing communities.
Yes - brownfield sites will often need state support to be viable. We believe that this is good investment because it removes public health hazards and/or helps regenerate existing communities.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Hi Jennifer, thanks for raising
Yes - brownfield sites will often need state support to be viable. We believe that this is good investment because it removes public health hazards and/or helps regenerate existing communities.
Yes - brownfield sites will often need state support to be viable. We believe that this is good investment because it removes public health hazards and/or helps regenerate existing communities.
Of course, some greenfield land will still be needed, but we believe brownfield is too often underestimated, despite its huge potential.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Of course, some greenfield land will still be needed, but we believe brownfield is too often underestimated, despite its huge potential.
We appreciate that not every site is ready to build on immediately, but 55% had planning permission in 2024. Sites on the brownfield register mean that LAs and owners are keen to see development happen within 5 years. All development takes time but brownfield can also be met with less opposition.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
We appreciate that not every site is ready to build on immediately, but 55% had planning permission in 2024. Sites on the brownfield register mean that LAs and owners are keen to see development happen within 5 years. All development takes time but brownfield can also be met with less opposition.
We don’t see this as brownfield vs greenfield. The best brownfield developments create thriving places with homes, shops, play areas and community spaces. And we only include sites that councils have already identified as suitable for housing.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
We don’t see this as brownfield vs greenfield. The best brownfield developments create thriving places with homes, shops, play areas and community spaces. And we only include sites that councils have already identified as suitable for housing.
Brownfield land is also widely spread across the country, with a particularly high concentration in London where housing need is greatest.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Brownfield land is also widely spread across the country, with a particularly high concentration in London where housing need is greatest.
Hi Anna. Thanks for raising. Yes - some brownfield sites do need remediation. But that work also brings real public health benefits by removing hazards. And evidence shows that once planning permission is granted, brownfield builds usually progress at a similar pace to that in greenfield.
September 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Hi Anna. Thanks for raising. Yes - some brownfield sites do need remediation. But that work also brings real public health benefits by removing hazards. And evidence shows that once planning permission is granted, brownfield builds usually progress at a similar pace to that in greenfield.