The UK government’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years is set to reshape the construction landscape. With planning reforms, the release of some lower-quality green belt land, and the reintroduction of mandatory housing targets for local authorities, the focus is on fast-tracking development.

However, to meet these ambitious targets, brownfield land will take centre stage. Prioritising previously developed sites makes sense – it helps protect green spaces, revitalises disused areas, and streamlines the planning process. However, building on brownfield land comes with hidden challenges, and one of the most overlooked risks is unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination.

Why Brownfield Sites pose a UXO risk

Brownfield sites are defined as previously developed land that may be derelict or underused. It includes land that is, or was previously, occupied by a permanent structure and accounts for 8.7% of land in England. Between 2021 and 2022, 54% of all new homes in England were built on brownfield sites.

While this land is attractive for development due to its existing infrastructure and proximity to urban areas, it may still conceal hidden dangers from the UK’s wartime and industrial past. During World War II, many brownfield sites were located near cities, transport hubs, industrial areas, and military installations, all of which were prime targets for bombing raids. Even decades later, UXO remains a potential hazard due to:

  • Bombing raids and unexploded bombs: During WWII, tens of thousands of tonnes of bombs were dropped on the UK, with an estimated 10% failing to detonate. Many of these unexploded bombs remain buried beneath brownfield sites today.
  • Former military use: Many brownfield sites were previously used for military training, airfields, or munitions production. Even after redevelopment, UXO contamination can persist.
  • Industrial activity and contamination: Sites used for manufacturing or heavy industry may have been involved in wartime production or handling of ordnance, leaving behind UXO risks.
Example of Brownfield Land

Real-world examples of UXO on Brownfield Land

The risk of UXO on brownfield sites is not theoretical – it is a proven and recurring challenge in UK construction.

New build development – Burntwood

Brimstone was appointed as the principal contractor to manage the UXO contamination on a new housing development site in Staffordshire. We identified the presence of a military scrap yard on-site during and after WWII and we went on to find and dispose of over 3,000 items of UXO through daily on-site demolitions.

Tilbury Energy Recovery Facility – Essex

Brimstone was commissioned to conduct an intrusive UXO survey at the Tilbury Energy Recovery Facility in Essex. With over 1,600 surveys scheduled, we mobilised all available resources to ensure the work was carried out efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. While we did not identify any items of ordnance at the Tilbury site, our work ensured the area was safe for ground-intrusive works. The importance of UXO risk mitigation was reinforced just months later when a nearby site was temporarily closed following the discovery of a 250kg German air-dropped bomb!

These incidents highlight how UXO risks can disrupt construction schedules, increase costs, and endanger workers, making early UXO risk mitigation a vital part of brownfield development.

Brimstone UXO working on a brownfield site

The importance of early UXO risk assessments

For housing developers, early UXO risk assessments are essential when working on brownfield sites. Failing to conduct a thorough risk assessment can lead to costly delays, emergency ordnance disposal operations, and potential safety risks.

At Brimstone UXO, we provide comprehensive UXO risk mitigation services tailored for the construction industry, including:

  • UXO Risk Assessments: Desktop studies to assess the likelihood of UXO contamination based on historical data, mapping, and bombing records.
  • UXO Surveys: Intrusive and non-intrusive surveys to detect buried ferrous objects that could be UXO.
  • On-Site Support: Our EOD engineer joins you on site to support your ground intrusion works, either through a Watching Brief or Borehole Support.
  • UXO Disposal: Brimstone are fully licensed explosive ordnance disposal contractors. We can carry out high and low order disposal techniques to destroy items of ordnance on site, or provide the safe transportation of UXO to our explosive stores.

Protect your project from UXO delays

As the UK construction industry pushes forward with new build developments, early UXO risk management is more important than ever. Brownfield sites, while attractive for development, carry hidden dangers that could jeopardise your project.

Partnering with Brimstone UXO ensures you have the expertise to identify and mitigate UXO risks before they cause costly delays. Our services help you maintain safety, compliance, and project efficiency – giving you peace of mind as you transform brownfield land into thriving new communities.

Get in touch with Brimstone UXO today to discuss your next brownfield project and safeguard your development from UXO risks.

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