Jean-François Obregón, RPP, MCIP’s Post

Julian Sharpe MRTPI, our Head of Planning, with an update on the new version of the National Planning Policy Framework with some clarification on what might be considered 'grey belt'.

The Government has today published the new version of the National Planning Policy Framework. In addition to general changes seeking to increase housebuilding, there is significant reform for development within the Green Belt utilising ‘grey belt’ land. Requirements include that: - Development would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining Green Belt - There is lack of a five year supply of deliverable housing sites or where the Housing Delivery Tests was below 75% of the housing requirement over the previous three years. Notably a number of Councils with fairly recently adopted plans will still be below the 75% HDT threshold. - The development would be in a sustainable location - The development meets ‘Golden Rules’ including 50% affordable housing in most cases, improvements to infrastructure and new and improved green spaces. In terms of the speculation over what might be ‘grey belt’, this has been confirmed as: “previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of purposes (a), (b), or (d) in paragraph 143.” Namely preventing sprawl, towns merging or the setting of historic towns. ‘Grey belt’ however excludes National Landscapes (formerly AONB), National Parks, irreplaceable habitats and designated heritage assets.

Over the past week we have shared our response to government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We have highlighted how through the inclusion of policy designed specially to enable sustainable development in the countryside, there is the opportunity to unlock the full potential of rural areas to contribute to addressing environmental challenges and provide much needed homes and opportunities for rural communities. Whilst the outcomes of the consultation are not yet known, now is the time to consider what opportunities there may be for the development of rural land and property assets both now and in the future. Whatever the detail of the new NPPF, there are opportunities to respond to the moves to create a more positive and enabling planning system if we are to deliver growth and boost productivity across the whole country. With changes to policy relating to housing targets, green belt, permitted development and more, understanding the options and opportunities relating to your rural land and property assets is the best way to be ready to respond. In our recent blog (link below), we explore how land and estate owners can consider strategic development opportunities and be prepared to respond to national, regional and local priorities. If you would like to understand more about what the opportunities are for the development of land and property under current and likely forthcoming planning policy, please get in touch. https://lnkd.in/eJdfFq3m

Yesterday the new Labour Government published their proposed reforms to planning and the NPPF, and there’s certainly a lot to unpack! It remains to be seen what survives the consultation (closing 24 September), but some of the highlights for me are: 📣 Changes to the Standard Method for calculating housing need, to help meet the 1.5 million home target 📣 Changes to the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ at Para. 11(d) 📣 Strengthening support for brownfield developments within settlements, deeming them ‘acceptable in principle’ 📣 Removing references to ‘beauty’ throughout and de-emphasising mansard designs for upward extensions 📣 Relaxation of rules for previously developed land in the Green Belt 📣 Opening the door for housing, commercial and other development on ‘Grey Belt’ land in sustainable locations 📣 But requiring 50% affordable housing, infrastructure and public green space for major developments in the Green Belt The consultation also includes details on potential (further) increases to planning application fees, specifically for householder applications. If you’d like to discuss the proposed changes in detail, then please comment below or send a DM. #NPPF #Labour #Planning #Reform #GreenBelt #GreyBelt #Housing

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has announced that the Labour Party plan to overhaul the planning process. One of the areas that they are looking closely at, are parcels of land that could be described as part of the “grey belt”. As this is a term that may be new to many we thought we’d try and explain it.   The term "grey belt" in the context of house building in the UK refers to land that is neither classified as green belt (protected open space) nor fully developed urban land. Grey belt areas are typically on the urban fringe and may include previously developed but currently unused land, underutilized spaces, or brownfield sites that have some level of existing infrastructure.   Key characteristics of grey belt land:   1. Location: Situated between the green belt and fully developed urban areas. 2. Potential for Development: Often seen as having potential for development to help meet housing needs without encroaching on protected green belt land. 3. Planning Policies: These areas might be subject to specific planning policies aimed at encouraging sustainable development while balancing environmental and social considerations.   The concept of the grey belt is increasingly being discussed as a way to address the housing crisis in the UK by providing a compromise between protecting green spaces and meeting the demand for new housing. Developing grey belt land can help to alleviate pressure on green belt areas while making use of land that is not currently serving its best purpose. This is the area where future developments a likely to be more viable. An investment in a grey belt area would certainly combine the aspiration to do our best to save our land (by not using green belt land) with an investment that has great potential.   Saloria Architects and our partners and consultants are here to help our client evaluate and find the right land, development or investment opportunity to achieve their expectations. #greybelt #planningpolicy #SaloriaArchitects #ArchitecturalDesign 

🚨 Changes to the UK’s Green Belt Policies 🚨 Significant updates are being proposed to address housing shortages and urban development needs. Key reforms include the "brownfield first" policy, which prioritizes building on previously developed land. A notable change is to Paragraph 151 (g) of the 2024 draft NPPF, easing restrictions on redevelopment in the Green Belt. It now allows projects that ‘do not cause substantial harm’ to the openness of the Green Belt—an important shift for developers. If you own land or buildings in the Green Belt and want to explore your options, contact Bruce O'Brien via email at Bruce.obrien@argroup.co.uk for a discussion. #GreenBelt #UrbanDevelopment #HousingCrisis #PlanningPolicy #NPPF

🌳 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 "𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁" 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 🏡 The House of Lords committee has initiated an inquiry into the government's controversial "Grey Belt" plans, which could reshape how land between urban areas and the countryside is utilized for housing development. This inquiry will examine the potential impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. As the construction industry watches closely, the outcome could significantly influence future planning and development strategies. It's crucial that we balance the need for housing with sustainable land use and environmental protection. Stay tuned as we follow this important discussion. The future of our urban-rural landscapes may be at a turning point. #GreyBelt #HousingDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #ConstructionNews Read more: https://lnkd.in/dUifHdik 

🌳 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 "𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁" 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 🏡 The House of Lords committee has initiated an inquiry into the government's controversial "Grey Belt" plans, which could reshape how land between urban areas and the countryside is utilized for housing development. This inquiry will examine the potential impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. As the construction industry watches closely, the outcome could significantly influence future planning and development strategies. It's crucial that we balance the need for housing with sustainable land use and environmental protection. Stay tuned as we follow this important discussion. The future of our urban-rural landscapes may be at a turning point. #GreyBelt #HousingDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #ConstructionNews Read more: https://lnkd.in/dUifHdik 

🌳 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 "𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁" 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 🏡 The House of Lords committee has initiated an inquiry into the government's controversial "Grey Belt" plans, which could reshape how land between urban areas and the countryside is utilized for housing development. This inquiry will examine the potential impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. As the construction industry watches closely, the outcome could significantly influence future planning and development strategies. It's crucial that we balance the need for housing with sustainable land use and environmental protection. Stay tuned as we follow this important discussion. The future of our urban-rural landscapes may be at a turning point. #GreyBelt #HousingDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #ConstructionNews Read more: https://lnkd.in/dUbdSRS6 

🌳 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁'𝘀 "𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁" 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 🏡 The House of Lords committee has initiated an inquiry into the government's controversial "Grey Belt" plans, which could reshape how land between urban areas and the countryside is utilized for housing development. This inquiry will examine the potential impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. As the construction industry watches closely, the outcome could significantly influence future planning and development strategies. It's crucial that we balance the need for housing with sustainable land use and environmental protection. Stay tuned as we follow this important discussion. The future of our urban-rural landscapes may be at a turning point. #GreyBelt #HousingDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #ConstructionNews Read more: https://lnkd.in/dD8xfwMZ