A more ‘systematic, interventionist and collaborative’ method could ‘significantly’ increase the regeneration of brownfield sites in Wales, according to a new report.
In his report, the auditor general for Wales said councils do not always take an ambitious approach to tackling barriers to regenerating previously developed land, so focus often goes to projects that are easier to achieve, including on green spaces.
He recommended that Welsh local authorities create a 'systematic process' to find and publicise suitable brownfield sites, increase opportunities for community involvement, and set ‘clearer, more ambitious’ regeneration policies and targets.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Government should create a national framework for monitoring and assessing the brownfield sites that are in development, so it can compare this to available sites and to greenfield development, the report says.
Auditor general Adrian Crompton said: ‘Regeneration of brownfield and disused properties is difficult but necessary if we are to avoid greater problems for future generations.
‘Councils and their partners need to take a different approach if they are to overcome the significant barriers to brownfield development and meet the aims at the heart of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.’
