Town And Country Planning, England Citation and commencement 1 These Regulations may be cited as the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017 and come into force on 16th April 2017. Interpretation 2 In these Regulations— “the TCPA 1990” means the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ; “development” has the meaning given by section 55 of the TCPA 1990; “dwelling” includes a flat contained within a building of one or more flats;‎ “entry date” in relation to any land, means the date on which land is entered in Part 1 of the register; “flat” means a separate and self-contained set of premises constructed or adapted for use for the purpose of a dwelling and forming part of a building from some other part of which it is divided horizontally; “hazardous substances” has the meaning given by regulation 3 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 ; “housing development” means development for the provision of dwellings; “infrastructure manager” in relation to relevant railway land means any person who— is responsible for developing or maintaining the land; or manages or uses the land, or permits the land to be used for the operation of a railway; “maximum net number of dwellings” means the maximum number of dwellings on the land after the proposed development less the number of dwellings on the land immediately prior to the entry of the land on Part 1 or Part 2 of the register, as the case may be; “minimum net number of dwellings” means the minimum number of dwellings on the land after the proposed development less the number of dwellings on the land immediately prior to the entry of the land on Part 1 or Part 2 of the register, as the case may be; “neighbourhood forum” means an organisation or body designated by a local planning authority under section 61F of the 1990 Act ; “non-housing development” means development other than housing development; “operational railway” means a railway which is in use; “permission in principle” has the same meaning as in section 58A of the TCPA 1990 ; “planning permission” means permission under Part 3 of the TCPA 1990 but does not include permission in principle; “previously developed land” has the same meaning as land of that description in the National Planning Policy Framework issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, as it has effect from time to time ; “register” means a brownfield land register kept under regulation 3; “relevant railway land” means land— forming part of any operational railway; or which is authorised to be used for the purposes of an operational railway under— a planning permission granted or deemed to be granted, a development consent granted by an order made under the Planning Act 2008 , or an Act of Parliament, including viaducts, tunnels, retaining walls, sidings, shafts, bridges, or other structures used in connection with an operational railway and excluding car parks, offices, shops, hotels or any other land which, by its nature or situation, is comparable with land in general rather than land which is used for the purpose of an operational railway; “requisite notice” means notice in the form set out in Schedule 1 to these Regulations or in a form substantially to the same effect; and “residential development” means development the main purpose of which is housing development. Requirement to keep a register 3 1 Each local planning authority must prepare and maintain a register of previously developed land which — a is within their area, and b meets the criteria in paragraph (1) of regulation 4. 2 Each local planning authority must publish their register by 31st December 2017. 3 The register to be prepared, maintained and published by each local planning authority in accordance with this regulation is to be known as that local planning authority’s “Brownfield Land Register”. 4 The register must be kept in 2 parts. 5 In these Regulations, a reference to “Part 1” or “Part 2” is a reference to Part 1 or Part 2 of the register. Criteria 4 1 The criteria referred to in paragraph (1)(b) of regulation 3 are, in relation to each parcel of land— a the land has an area of at least 0.25 hectares or is capable of supporting at least 5 dwellings; b the land is suitable for residential development; c the land is available for residential development; and d residential development of the land is achievable. 2 In this regulation— “achievable” in relation to residential development of any land means that, in the opinion of the local planning authority, the development is likely to take place within 15 years of the entry date, having regard to— any information publicly available; and any relevant representations received; “available for residential development” in relation to any land means— the relevant owner (or, where there is more than one, all the relevant owners), has expressed an intention to sell or develop the land and at a date not more than 21 days before the entry date there is no evidence indicating a change to that intention, having regard to— any information publicly available on that date; and ‎any relevant representations received; the developer has expressed an intention to develop the land and at a date not more than 21 days before the entry date there is no evidence indicating a change to that intention, having regard to— any information publicly available on that date; and any relevant representations received; or in the opinion of the local authority there are no issues relating to the ownership of the land or other legal impediments which might prevent residential development of the land taking place, having regard to— any information publicly available on that date; and any relevant representations received; “the developer” means the developer in control of the land on the prescribed date; “heritage asset” means a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape which has been identified by the local planning authority as having heritage interest or is— a property appearing on the World Heritage List kept under article 11(2) of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and National Heritage adopted at Paris on 16th November 1972 ; included in the schedule of monuments compiled by the Secretary of State under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (schedule of monuments) ; a listed building within the meaning of section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest); a garden or other land included in a register compiled by the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England under section 8C of the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 ; or an area designated as a conservation area under section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (designation of conservation areas); “owner” in relation to any land means any person who— is the estate owner in fee simple; or is entitled to a tenancy granted or extended for a term of years certain of which not less than 15 years remain unexpired; ‎“the prescribed date” is the day 42 days before the entry date for the land; “the relevant owner” means in relation to any land, the owner of the land on the prescribed date; ‎“relevant representations” in relation to the definition of “achievable”, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of the definition of “available for residential development”, and paragraph (d) of the definition of “suitable for residential development”, means— ‎as regards land to be entered in Part 1, any representations which are— relevant to the definition or ‎paragraph of the definition in question; and received by the local planning authority— as a result of any procedures carried out in accordance with paragraph (6)(a) of regulation 5, before the end of the relevant period specified in accordance with paragraph (6)(b) of regulation 5;‎ as regards land to be entered in Part 2, any representations which are— relevant to the definition or paragraph of ‎the definition in question; and received by the local planning authority— ‎as a result of any of the procedures carried out in accordance with paragraph (7) of regulation 5, by the date, or before the end ‎of the relevant period, specified in accordance with regulation 9 or 13, as the case may be; and “suitable for residential development” in relation to any land means that the land at the entry date— has been allocated in a local development plan document for residential development; has planning permission for residential development; has a grant of permission in principle for residential development; or is, in the opinion of the local planning authority, appropriate for residential development, having regard to— any adverse impact on— the natural environment; the local built environment, including in particular on heritage assets; any adverse impact on the local amenity which such development might cause for intended occupiers of the development or for occupiers of neighbouring properties; and any relevant representations received. Entry of land in the register 5 1 The local planning authority must enter land in Part 1 where the land falls within the description in paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 3 and meets the criteria in paragraph (1) of regulation 4. 2 The local planning authority must also enter land in Part 2 where— a the land falls within the description in paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 3, b the land meets the criteria in paragraph (1) of regulation 4, and c the authority have decided to allocate the land for residential development, having followed the procedures mentioned in paragraph (7). 3 The local planning authority may enter land in Part 1 where the land falls within the description in paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 3 and meets the criteria in paragraphs (1)(b) to (d) of regulation 4, but does not meet the criterion in paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 4 (area of site or quantity of development). 4 The local planning authority must also enter land in Part 2 where— a they have exercised their discretion to enter land in Part 1 in accordance with paragraph (3), and b they have decided to allocate the land for residential development, having followed the procedures mentioned in paragraph (7). 5 Paragraphs (2) and (4) are subject to regulation 14 (exemptions). 6 Before the local planning authority enter land in Part 1 they— a may carry out procedures (including consultation) as they see fit; and b must take into account any representations received, within such period as the local authority may specify, when carrying out such procedures. 7 Before the local planning authority enter land in Part 2, they must follow the applicable procedures in regulations 6 to 9 (publicity and notification) and 10 to 13 (consultation). ‎ Publicity of proposal to enter land in Part 2 6 1 A local planning authority must publicise their proposal to enter land in Part 2 by giving requisite notice in at least one place on or near the land for not less than 21 days. 2 The requisite notice must be given by posting it by firm fixture to some object and the notice must be sited and displayed in such a way as to be easily visible to and legible by members of the public. 3 Where the notice is, without any fault or intention of the local planning authority, removed, obscured or defaced before the period of 21 days referred to in paragraph (1) has elapsed, the authority are to be treated as having complied with the requirement if they have taken reasonable steps for protection of the notice, and, if need be, its replacement. 4 The following information must be published on a website maintained by the local planning authority— a the statement “If the land is entered in Part 2 of the Brownfield Land Register it will be granted permission in ‎principle, which establishes the suitability, in principle, of land for housing-led development” or a statement to substantially the same effect; ‎ b the information required by paragraphs 1(1)(a), (b), (c), (f), (k), (l), (m)(ii) and (o) of Schedule 2; c the information required under regulation 26 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2015 (planning approvals for projects related to hazardous substances) where— i development of the land would, in the opinion of the local planning authority, be a relevant project for the purpose of that regulation‎, and ii the local planning authority are the competent authority for the purpose of that regulation; d the date by which any representations about the proposed entry of the land in Part 2 must be made, which must not be before the last day of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the information is published; e where and when the information specified in sub-paragraphs (b) and (c) of this paragraph may be inspected; and f how representations may be made about the proposed entry of the land in Part 2. Land within 10 metres of relevant railway land 7 1 Where the land is situated within 10 metres of relevant railway land, the local planning authority must, except where paragraph (2) applies, publicise their proposal to enter it in Part 2 by serving requisite notice on any infrastructure manager of relevant railway land. 2 Where an infrastructure manager has instructed the local planning authority in writing that they do not require notification in relation to any land or geographical areas specified in the instruction, the local planning authority are not required to notify that infrastructure manager. 3 The infrastructure manager may withdraw the instruction at any time by notifying the local planning authority in writing. Notification for parish councils and neighbourhood forums of proposal to enter land in Part 2 8 Where the council of any parish, or a neighbourhood forum, (“the relevant body”) in the area of the local planning authority have— a requested the authority to notify it of a proposed entry of land in Part 2, and b the land to which the proposed entry relates is within the area of the relevant body, the local planning authority must notify the relevant body of the proposed entry by serving requisite notice on it. Time periods for representations to be made following publicity or notification 9 1 A local planning authority must, in considering whether to enter land in Part 2, take into account any representations made within the period specified, or the date specified, in paragraphs (2) to (4) as the case may be. 2 Where any notice about the proposed entry of land in Part 2 has been given by site display under paragraph (1) of regulation 6, the period specified is 21 days beginning ‎with the date when the notice was first displayed. 3 Where any information about the proposed entry of land in Part 2 has been published on a website under paragraph (4) of regulation 6, the date specified is the date given in accordance with ‎ paragraph (4)(d) of that regulation. 4 Where any notice about the proposed entry of land in Part 2 has been served on an infrastructure manager under paragraph (1) of regulation 7, or on the council of a parish or ‎on a neighbourhood forum under regulation 8, the period specified is—‎ a ‎42 days beginning with the date when the notice was served on that person or body, where first ‎publication of Part 2, (in accordance with paragraph (2) of regulation 3), has not yet taken place, or b ‎21 days beginning with the date when the notice was served on that person or body, where first ‎publication of Part 2, (in accordance with paragraph (2) of regulation 3), has taken place. Consultation with county planning authorities before entering land in Part 2 10 1 The local planning authority must consult the county planning authority where— a they propose to enter land in Part 2; b there is a county planning authority for the area within which the land is situated; and c residential development of the land would, in the opinion of the local planning authority, fall within sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 to the TCPA 1990 (consultation by a district planning authority with the county planning authority for their area in certain circumstances). 2 Paragraph (1) does not apply where— a the local planning authority is the county planning authority for the area, or b the county planning authority has advised the local planning authority that they do not wish to be consulted about proposed entries in Part 2 of land situated within a particular area, and the land in question falls within that area. 3 In this regulation “county planning authority” has the same meaning as in section 1 of the TCPA 1990. Consultation with the Mayor of London before entering land in Part 2 11 1 Where the council of a London borough (“the local planning authority”) propose to enter land in Part 2 and residential development of the land would, in their opinion, fall within the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008 (potential strategic importance applications and categories of development), the local planning authority must consult the Mayor of London. 2 Paragraph (1) does not apply where— a the Mayor has advised the local planning authority that the Mayor does not wish to be consulted about proposed entries in Part 2 of land situated within a particular area, and the land in question falls within that area, or b the land falls within article 3 of that Order (land excluded from the application of section 2A of the TCPA 1990 ). Consultation with other persons, bodies or authorities before entering land in Part 2 12 1 Where a local planning authority propose to enter land in Part 2 and residential development of the land would, in the opinion of the local planning authority, fall ‎within a category set out in the Table in Schedule 4 to the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 , the local planning authority must consult any person, body or authority mentioned in relation to that category. 2 The local planning authority must also consult any person, body or authority with whom they would have been required to consult in relation to an application for planning permission for residential development of the land. 3 The duty to consult a particular person, body or authority in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) does not apply where— a that authority is the local planning authority; b that person, body or authority has advised the local planning authority that they do not wish to be consulted about proposed entries in Part 2 situated within a particular area, and the land in question falls within that area; or c that person, body or authority has published standing advice in relation to a category of development and the potential development falls within that category. 4 The exception in paragraph (3)(c) does not apply where the standing advice was published before the period of 2 years ending with the date that requisite notice in relation to that land was given in accordance with paragraph (1) of regulation 6. Time periods for representations to be made by consultees 13 1 Where a local planning authority is required to consult any person, body or authority (“consultee”) before entering land in Part 2— a the local planning authority must give notice to the consultee; and b subject to paragraph (2), the local planning authority must not enter the land in Part 2— i until at least 42 days after the date on which notice is given under sub-paragraph (a) where first publication of Part 2, (in accordance with paragraph (2) of regulation 3), has not yet taken place; or ii until at least 21 days after the date on which notice is given under sub-paragraph (a) where first publication of Part 2, (in accordance with paragraph (2) of regulation 3), has taken place. 2 Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply if before the end of the relevant period referred to in that paragraph the local planning authority have received from all consultees— a representations concerning the proposed entry of land in Part 2, or b notice that they do not intend to make representations. 3 In considering whether to enter land in Part 2, the local planning authority must take into account any representations received from any consultee before the end of the relevant period referred to in paragraph (1)(b). Exemptions for certain types of land 14 1 A local planning authority must not enter land in Part 2, where residential development of that land could be Schedule 1 development. 2 A local planning authority must not enter land in Part 2, where residential development of that land could be Schedule 2 development, unless— a the local planning authority— i have the information listed in paragraphs (2)(a) to (d) of regulation 6 of the EIA Regulations 2017 , ii have specified the maximum net number of dwellings which in their opinion the land is capable of supporting, iii are of the view that the information and specified number referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) respectively, together with any such other information they may have about residential development of the land, are sufficient for them to adopt a screening opinion under regulation 6 of the EIA Regulations 2017 , and iv adopt a screening opinion under regulation 6 of the EIA Regulations 2017 that potential residential development up to and including the number of dwellings referred to in paragraph (ii) will not be EIA development; b the Secretary of State has made a screening direction under paragraph (3) of regulation 5 or paragraph (5) of regulation 7 of the EIA Regulations 2017 that the development is not EIA development; or c the Secretary of State has made a direction under regulation 63 of the EIA Regulations 2017 that the development is exempted from the application of those Regulations. 3 For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), regulation 6 (requests for screening opinions of the relevant planning authority) of the EIA Regulations 2017 applies with the following modifications— a as if a person had requested the local planning authority to adopt a screening opinion and had provided them with the information referred to in paragraph (2) of that regulation; b as if the potential residential development of the land, for the maximum net number of dwellings, were an application for planning permission; c as if in paragraph (4) “or (3)” were omitted; d as if paragraph (6) were omitted and replaced by— 6 An authority may adopt a screening opinion. ; and e as if paragraphs (3), (5) and (7) to (11) were omitted. 4 A local planning authority must not enter land in Part 2 where residential development of that land could be habitats development, unless— a they have specified the maximum net number of dwellings which in their opinion the land is capable of supporting; and b they are satisfied that development up to and including that number would not be habitats development. 5 In this regulation— “competent authority” has the meaning given by regulation 7 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017; “EIA development” has the same meaning as in paragraph (1) of regulation 2 of the EIA Regulations 2017 ; “the EIA Regulations 2017” means the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 ; “European offshore marine site” has the meaning given by regulation 18 of the Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017; “European site” has the meaning given by regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017; “habitats development” means development— which is likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) and is not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site; and for which the competent authority has not given consent, permission, or other authorisation in accordance with regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (Assessment of implications for European sites and European offshore marine sites). ... ... “Schedule 1 development” and “Schedule 2 development” have the same meaning as in paragraph (1) of regulation 2 of the EIA Regulations 2017 . Information to be included in the register 15 The register must contain the information specified in Schedule 2. Public inspection of the register 16 1 The register must be kept available for public inspection at the principal office of the local planning authority. 2 Where the register kept by a local planning authority under this regulation is kept using electronic storage, the authority may make the register available for inspection by the public on a website maintained by the authority for that purpose. Revision of the register 17 1 The local planning authority must review the entries in the register at least once within each register year in accordance with this regulation. 2 Where the local authority has entered land in the register in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) of regulation 5 and the land no longer meets the criteria in paragraph (1) of regulation 4, the local planning authority must remove the entry from Part 1, and if applicable Part 2. 3 Where the local planning authority has entered land in the register in accordance with paragraph (3) or (4) of regulation 5 and the land no longer meets the criteria in paragraphs (1)(b) to (d) of regulation 4, they must remove the entry from Part 1, and if applicable Part 2. 4 Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), the local planning authority must update, as necessary, the information required under Schedule 2 in relation to each entry of land in the register. 5 The local planning authority must not update the information required under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 in relation to an entry of land in Part 2. 6 Where— a the local planning authority consider that the information required under paragraph 1(1)(m), (1)(n) or (1)(o) of Schedule 2 in relation to an entry of land in Part 1 should be updated, b there is an entry in Part 2 in relation to that land, and c development of that land has been granted permission in principle by a development order made under section 59A(1)(a) of the TCPA 1990 based on that entry, the local planning authority must— i remove the entry of land from Part 2; and ii amend the information in Part 1. 7 Before the local planning authority remove entries of land from Parts 1 and 2 under paragraphs (2) or (3), or amend information in Part 1 under paragraph (6)(ii) they— a may carry out such ‎procedures (including consultation) as they see fit; and b must take into account any representations received, within such period as they may specify, as a result of such procedures. 8 Where development of land was granted permission in principle by a development order made under section 59A(1)(a) of the TCPA 1990, and that grant has expired, the local planning authority must remove the relevant entry of land from Part 2. 9 The local planning authority must consider in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3), the criteria mentioned in regulation 4, as if— a for “entry date” in each place that it occurs in the definitions of “achievable” and “available for residential development”, there were substituted “review date”; and b for the definition of “relevant representations”, there were substituted— “relevant representations” in relation to the definition of “achievable”, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of the definition of “available for residential development”, and paragraph (d) of the definition of “suitable for residential development”, means any representations which are— relevant to the definition or ‎paragraph of the definition in question; and received by the local planning authority— as a result of any procedures carried out by the local planning authority in accordance with paragraph (7)(a) of regulation 17; before the end of the relevant period specified in accordance with paragraph (7)(b) of regulation 17; . 10 In this regulation— “register year” means— for the first year, the year beginning on the date on which that part of the register is published for the first time; for subsequent years, the year beginning with the anniversary of the date on which that part of the register was published for the first time; and “review date” in relation to an entry of land in the register means the date on which that entry of land is reviewed under paragraph (1). Information to be given to the Secretary of State 18 1 The Secretary of State may require a local planning authority to bring the register up to date by such date as the Secretary of State may specify. 2 The Secretary of State may require a local planning authority to provide the Secretary of State with such information in relation to the register, in such form and by such date, as the Secretary of State may specify. Consequential amendment to the Functions and Responsibilities Regulations 2000 19 1 The Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) Regulations 2000 are amended in accordance with paragraph (2). 2 In Schedule 1 (functions not to be the responsibility of an authority’s executive), in column (1) (function), in Part A (functions relating to town and country planning and development control), below the entry numbered “31”insert “32. Duty to enter land in Part 2 of the brownfield land register.” and at the corresponding place in column (2) (provision of act or statutory instrument) insert “Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017.”. Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Gavin Barwell Minister of State Department for Communities and Local Government 20th March 2017