Protecting Green belt land

The Open Spaces Society has been defending open spaces in England and Wales since 1865.

Green belt land: a definition

Green belt land: a definition

Green belts are designated for five purposes:

  1. Prevent urban sprawl
  2. Prevent the joining together of major towns and cities
  3. Protect the setting of historic towns
  4. Assist in protecting the countryside from encroachment
  5. Encourage urban regeneration .

Green belts are a buffer between towns, and between town and countryside. The green belt designation is a planning tool and the aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; however, there is not necessarily a right of access there.

There are 14 green belts in England and 1 in Wales. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), most recently updated in December 2024, contains specific reference to protecting green belt land (see Chapter 13, paras 142-160) in England.

Future Wales (policies 22,30,34) and PPW Edition 12 (3.64 to 3.78) contain specific reference to protecting green belt land in Wales.

Threats

Green belts are coming under increasing threat to meet the need for the supply of land for housing.

In England, where major development involving the provision of housing is proposed on land released from the Green Belt through plan preparation or review, or on sites in the Green Belt subject to a planning application, the ‘Golden Rules’ (paras 156-159) should be applied.

In England the NPPF contains a new definition of grey belt land. For the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, ‘grey belt’ is defined as land in the Green Belt comprising 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.

The role of the Open Spaces Society

The society would normally only become involved where public access and enjoyment are affected. This may include a view from public-access land and/or public paths.

Protecting green belt land: What you can do

It is important to get involved at an early stage when possible changes to green belt are proposed:

  1. Respond to any local plan review which proposes a change to green belt
  2.  Get involved in your neighbourhood planning forum
  3. Check and respond to planning applications

Guidance/assistance

England: CPRE information on Green Belt 2023 and London Green Belt Council ‘Safe under us?’ report (2022)

Wales: CPRW –  Planning

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