Green Belt Plans Unveiled

The Government has announced that less than 10% of the green belt will be released for development, according to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook. While these changes are not expected to result in a “significant” reduction in the green belt, they are projected to have a meaningful impact on housebuilding. A key component of the plan involves councils identifying lower-quality 'grey-belt' land within the green belt for potential development, contributing to the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes during this Parliament.

Research suggests that grey-belt land could represent between 1% and 3% of the existing green belt, offering potential sites for 200,000 to 300,000 homes. The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) prioritises brownfield sites for development and establishes strict “golden rules” for green belt projects, ensuring that community infrastructure accompanies any development.

Key Policies for Green Belt Development

Core Green Belt Principles:

• The protection of green belt land remains a priority, with a robust justification process required for any land release. Local authorities must prove that alternatives, including brownfield and grey-belt sites, have been fully explored.

Grey Belt Definition and Opportunities:

• Grey-belt land refers to previously developed or underutilised areas within the green belt where development may be appropriate under specific circumstances. As outlined in paragraph 155 of the NPPF, green belt land can be considered for development if it does not compromise the primary purposes of the remaining green belt, such as preventing urban sprawl or maintaining town separation.
• Development on grey-belt sites is prioritised after brownfield locations but before higher-value green belt areas. Proposals must meet stringent criteria for sustainability, environmental standards, and high-quality design, while demonstrating significant community benefits.

Development on Previously Developed Green Belt Land:

• Any development on previously developed green belt land must emphasise sustainability, energy efficiency, and adherence to environmental standards, including biodiversity net gain and urban greening initiatives.

By focusing on lower-quality grey-belt land and prioritising brownfield sites, the Government’s strategy seeks to balance environmental conservation with the urgent need for new housing. With a potential to unlock 1.5 million homes, these plans represent a thoughtful approach to tackling the housing crisis while preserving the integrity of the green belt.

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