Developers should establish early dialogue with planning authorities and environmental regulators if the problems of developing brownfield land are to be eased, according to a new report. <p></p><p>The RICS Foundation's study, <i>Releasing Brownfields</i>, is the culmination of a comprehensive two year study which explores a broad range of economic, environmental, social and practical issues around developing brownfield land and relate problems. </p><p>The report sought the views of some 230 key stakeholders in the development industry, including property developers, professional advisers, landowners and government bodies through questionnaires, seminars, consultation on an interim report and research into a number of case studies. </p><p>The paper recommends that land quality statements should form part of the transfer process for all previously developed land, and there should be tax incentives for urban renewal initiatives. </p><p>Hailed as &amp;"a starting point for action,&amp;" by Stephen Brown, RICS Foundation's director of research, <i>Releasing Brownfields</i> raises issues such as the lack of an agreed definition of brownfield, confusion between brownfield and contaminated land, the economic viability of development and risk assessment, and concerns about &amp;"town cramming&amp;". </p><p>The paper's finding that &amp;"decision-makers, such as...property developers, were generally satisfied with the way that local authorities handled planning applications,&amp;" is likely to …