National planning policy encourages the reuse of previously developed (or brownfield) land in preference to greenfield land.
- Scottish Planning Policy 2 - Economic Development highlights the contribution that the regeneration of previously developed land (often referred to as Brownfield land) can make to social and environmental justice, in particular by helping to stimulate enterprise in or close to disadvantaged areas.
- Scottish Planning Policy 3 - Planning for Homes (revised 2008) states that the redevelopment of brownfield sites for housing should be preferred to development on greenfield sites, particularly where it supports the strategy of the development plan.