What is Grey Belt?
Grey Belt is a new classification of land. Specifically it is land which is currently in the Green Belt but does not strongly contribute to the purposes of it
Where did the Grey Belt come from?
Grey Belt was first mentioned by Labour in April 2024 and subsequently included in their manifesto. At that time there was no precise definition of Grey Belt, but on 12th December 2024 Labour published the new NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) which established new Grey Belt planning policy
What is the intention of Grey Belt?
In short, to allow the release of lower quality Green Belt for new development with the aim of addressing the severe housing shortage. Green Belt was first introduced in the 1930s and, whilst the intentions were sensible, the implementation was heavy-handed. It meant that swathes of land with little ‘greenness’ or contribution to the countryside ended up with exactly the same level of protection as the rolling hills of traditional English countryside. For almost 100 years this situation has remained, but finally we have one of the most significant changes to planning policy for decades
Why does Grey Belt create opportunity for landowners?
Quite simply, land which has been protected from development for almost 100 years, is now considered appropriate for development by planning policy. Couple this with the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes and significant increases in Local Authority’s housing targets, and it creates the most advantageous opportunity for landowners that I have seen in my 25 year career
What has happened so far with Grey Belt?
A number of Green Belt planning appeals have now been decided. These schemes were all refused by Local Authority’s, predominantly for being in Green Belt. These decisions are crucial as they overrule Local Authority decisions and form precedents for future decisions. So far the signs are extremely encouraging with a number of schemes being allowed which would almost certainly have been refused without the new Grey Belt policy
I will be recording these significant decisions HERE
What does Grey Belt Expert do?
We buy and develop land across the country, predominantly for residential development. This could be by ourselves and or with a number of partner companies that we work with. Between ourselves and our partners we have a significant track record of developing land, from single houses to masterplan schemes
What should landowners do?
If there is any intention to develop in the Green Belt, landowners should look to make a start at the earliest opportunity. There is no guarantee that this policy will be here to stay, nor that it won’t be amended. Nimbys will no doubt protest louder and louder as more planning approvals come through. If Labour were to lose power, the Conservatives have previously pledged to protect the Green Belt.
Get in touch today with your address and let’s have a chat
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