Previously Developed Land PDL
The National Planning Policy Framework. Annex 2: Glossary. Originally published 27 March 2012 and last updated 7 February 2025 defines Previously Developed Land as being:
"Land which has been lawfully developed and is or was occupied by a permanent structure and any fixed surface infrastructure associated with it, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed). It also includes land comprising large areas of fixed surface infrastructure such as large areas of hardstanding which have been lawfully developed."
"Previously developed land excludes: land that is or was last occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill, where provision for restoration has been made through development management procedures; land in built-up areas such as residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape."
See also the articles: Brownfield Land. and The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing,
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Amberfield land.
- Are new towns and expanded settlements an effective means of delivering housing?
- Brownfield Land.
- Brownfield Land Release Fund BLRF.
- Brownfield registers.
- Building on fill.
- Common land.
- Contaminated land.
- Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465).
- Greenfield land.
- Land banking.
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Pink zones.
- Radon.
- Regeneration.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
- The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing,
- The risk of asbestos on brownfield sites.
- Types of land.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.