This new textbook for students and practitioners of surveying and town planning, as well as other built environment professionals with an interest in the processes of property development, provides a modern view of site assembly, town planning policies and development risk, environment issues, masterplanning and design. The principal focus of the book is on the reuse of urban land, including treatment options, and regeneration of the built environment, whilst not ignoring greenfield development.

The book is divided into four parts:

(1) the development process and planning policies

(2) site assessment, risk analysis and remediation of contaminated land

(3) feasibility studies and financial appraisals

(4) design issues

'Paul Syms has written to fill the gap [between developers and public planners], and is to be congratulated on doing so .... It will immediately and justifiably become a standard text for every student and professional who wants to understand the land development process and its outcomes.' - Professor Sir Peter Hall, Director of the Institute of Community Studies