It’s easy to see why developers choose greenfield development sites over other sites. The land is free from existing structures, there’s more room for creativity, and fewer restrictions compared to brownfield and infill development sites. You may be able to make better use of it than land with other constraints. Outside of the initial allure of greenfield development sites, there’s still a lot to consider before developing on such a site. Before you start, it’s essential to know what makes a good greenfield development site. Here are a few factors which may influence how you choose the ideal greenfield development site.
Greenfield Environmental Factors
Alongside the beauty and possibility of greenfield land, are the many factors which may impact how you build, what you build and whether you can build at all. These factors will affect the profitability of your project and the best use of the land.
Plant and Animal Life
Some greenfield land may be home to ecologically sensitive or threatened species. If the local council allows you to build in such areas, conditions may be attached. The laws in each state or territory are based on many international and local environmental laws. These laws are written under the premise that the resources needed to maintain a quality of life for people today shouldn’t be at the expense of future generations. The aim is to ensure ecologically sustainable developments.
One such federal law is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999), which initiated bilateral agreements between the Commonwealth and state or territory governments. The resultant local laws are implemented to protect local bushland and native vegetation. As a result, the local council may have particular requirements for greenfield developments which you will need to adhere to, and which could cut into your budget and how you use the land. A good greenfield development site will be subject to fewer restrictions. To avoid surprises, clarify whether or not there are any restrictions with your local council.
Environmental Hazards
Bushfires, floods, and cyclones are a part of life in Australia. When developing on a greenfield site, you want to look in areas which are less risky. If your site is at risk, you need to consider how these risks will affect the building codes and your budget. A good greenfield development site will be low risk. To make an informed decision, it’s best to evaluate the site based on previous environmental disasters (if any) and consider the potential for an increase in such risk due to climate change. Remember, well-thought-out architecture and construction will help mitigate some of the risks.
Infrastructure
Greenfield development sites require infrastructure, which may affect your return on investment if you don’t plan for it. Consider that the further away from cities and other suburbs your development is, the trickier it will be to develop such infrastructure. You may even have to build roads for your construction vehicles. A great way to deal with matters relating to infrastructure is by looking for off-grid and sustainable alternatives to meet your infrastructure needs. Opt for solutions such as solar power and self-composting toilets as part of your sustainable solutions. These solutions help lower the strain the local environment may take from increased population and the pollution caused by cars. A good greenfield site will lend itself to environmentally conscious development.
To begin your search for a good greenfield development site, it’s always easier to use comprehensive property development software. With the ability to view and compare various greenfield development sites, you can find the perfect opportunity to meet your needs and ensure the success of a project.
