Greenbelt - what is it and where is it ?

In the United Kingdom, a green belt is an area of open land surrounding a city or urban area, where certain types of development are restricted or prohibited to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the rural character of the land. The primary purpose of green belts is to maintain a separation between urban and rural areas, protect the countryside from excessive development, and provide recreational space for residents.

Key features of green belts in the UK include:

Limitations on Development: Green belt policies typically restrict the construction of new buildings, especially residential and commercial developments. This helps prevent the outward expansion of cities and towns into the surrounding countryside.

Preservation of Agriculture and Nature: Green belts often encompass agricultural land, parks, and areas of natural beauty. This helps to protect the rural landscape, maintain biodiversity, and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the countryside.

Recreational Opportunities: Green belts may include parks, nature reserves, and areas for outdoor recreation. These spaces provide opportunities for residents to enjoy nature, participate in outdoor activities, and have access to greenery without having to travel far from urban areas.

Visual and Environmental Benefits: The presence of green belts helps maintain a balance between urban development and natural landscapes, contributing to the overall quality of life for residents. They also provide visual relief from the built environment.

Green belt policies are established and enforced by local planning authorities and are outlined in local development plans. These plans set out the guidelines and restrictions for development within the green belt areas. It's important to note that while green belts play a crucial role in preserving the countryside, they can also be subject to debates and discussions regarding land use, housing shortages, and urban planning policies.

Greenbelt Changes

The Rt Hon Michael Gove was appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister recently made changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) give greater protection to the NPPF

New paragraph 145 of the revised NPPF provides that local authorities may choose to (but are not required to) review and alter Green Belt boundaries (in the event that they consider that they cannot meet housing need) during the plan-making process, where exceptional circumstances are fully evidenced and justified.

This is not only a controversial change but many planning practitioners are accusing Gove of protecting the greenbelt to try and protect MP's seats in the next general election.  This new change is becoming known as the NIMBY charter.  

The consequence of this change to the greenbelt has caused local planning authorities to pause their local plans which means that housing supply will be significantly reduced.  If Gove's approach to the greenbelt is indeed a politically motivated change then he is not considering the children of his core voters who will likely be priced out of a restricted housing market and not be able to get on the housing ladder.  Building magazine covers the story.

Map of the Greenbelt

Landcycle has full access to greenbelt layer so you can easily see if your land or property falls within the greenbelt.