Much-needed housing and other redevelopment opportunities in London are to go 'online'.

Much of the capital's under-utilised former industrial sites are set to be transformed, thanks to a new freely available online tool.

It was launched this week by the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The London Brownfield Sites Database is said to be the country's most comprehensive database of land available for redevelopment.

The Database records around 2,300 previously developed 'brownfield' sites across London, equivalent to more than 2% of the land in greater London.

This is an increase of over 1,000 sites than was recorded on the previous National Land Use Database system.

Using up-to-the minute Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, this includes transport routes, deprivation, social infrastructure, as well as heritage and natural environment assets.

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This is made possible by an Ordnance Survey mapping base that allows additional information to be overlaid.

Visitors to the Database website will be able to identify sites suitable for development, and better explore and understand a site’s context.

At a time when developers are seeking greater certainty over site availability and site suitability, this information will help to establish clear redevelopment opportunities.

Other regional stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, and English Heritage have contributed to the system.

London Boroughs can also use the data to inform their policies, site specific allocations, and housing and employment land availability assessments.

Peter Bishop, LDA Group Director of Design Development and Environment, said: "We are delighted with the London Brownfield Sites Database and associated Good Practice Guidance.

"It provides a very efficient means of accessing information about our world class city. Thanks to the co-operation of Boroughs and regional partners, the database significantly builds the level of regional intelligence on previously developed land."

Meanwhile, David Lunts, HCA Regional Director for London, said the initiative may spread nationwide: "We are already considering how other parts of the country could benefit from this pilot," he said.

The database - which has also been shortlisted for an RTPI design award - will be formally launched at the Future of London Show on 8th October.

It can be accessed at: www.londonbrownfieldsites.org

(BMcC/KMcA)