Greenfield Site - GCSE Geography Definition

A greenfield site is a piece of land that has not been built on before. It usually refers to areas that are currently being used for farming or are open countryside. These sites can be found on the edge of towns and cities and are often chosen for new developments like housing estates or factories. Unlike brownfield sites, which have already been built on and may need cleaning up, greenfield sites are fresh and untouched. They are seen as easier and cheaper to build on but developing them can lead to loss of natural habitats and open spaces. In GCSE Geography, students learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using greenfield sites for new developments.