The redevelopment of former industrial sites, so-called 'brownfield' sites, is becoming increasingly important as space is required for inner city commercial developments and as housebuilders are forced by government policy to recycle land rather than using 'greenfield' sites. This guide, originally issued in 1999 by the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers under the title reference Desk Reference Guide to Potentially Contaminative Land Uses identifies those industrial land uses most likely to be encountered by valuers and developers, gives guidance on the type of contamination likely to be present and gives general advice on what actions need to be taken.

It is aimed at non-specialist professionals advising landowners on the possible sale of their land and buildings, their potential redevelopment or possible environmental liabilities, and covers some 40 types of industrial land likely to lead to contamination.

Paul Syms is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Planning and Landscape at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. A Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor by profession he was, between 2004 and 2008, Director of National Brownfield Strategy and National Brownfield Advisor to English Partnerships and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Prior to this he was Professor of Urban Land Use at Sheffield Hallam University.