A leading commercial property lawyer has alerted brownfield site owners that they may be missing opportunities to transform their land by adding energy generation technology and storage facilities to raise additional income.
The alert has come from Phil Hunt, a senior associate at law firm, mfg Solicitors, who has been advising on UK-wide brownfield sites and the rental income landowners can receive from an energy-generating tenant on their land, whilst also promoting the latest green technology.
Phil, who advises on all aspects of commercial property, said that the current energy crisis, and fears around climate change, mean now is the perfect time for landowners to consider developing an otherwise underused plot of brownfield land into an energy importation, generation, storage or distribution facility.
Phil said: “First and foremost, the definition of a brownfield site is wide-ranging, so I’ve been urging landowners to investigate if their parcel of land could be successfully transformed into something more useful to them and the wider community.
“There are untapped opportunities across the West Midlands on brownfield sites. Overall, it’s important to establish early on if the site is viable, and think about the conditions which will be required for the development to proceed. Often the tenant will be required to obtain the planning permission for the development, the necessary grid connection and other equipment depending on the type of site. Landowners also need to consider adjusting any existing occupational arrangements so that the land can be used for this alternative use.
“Landowners may also want to consider approaching neighbours who own adjoining brown field land to see if there is potential for co-operation in being able to market a larger site.
“The Labour Government has declared its commitment to the development of grey field sites, and it will be interesting to see what effect this will have on the area of energy site development.
“Now is the ideal time to get involved with this niche, fast-growing and fast-changing market.”
The Commercial Property team provide professional legal assistance to brownfield site owners, developers and investors including negotiating land agreements and dealing with any adjustments required to existing occupational arrangements.
Phil and the mfg team will be attending Solar and Storage Live UK which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre between 24-26 September, stand number D11c.
Land owners interested in learning more can contact Phil via email through [email protected].