NPPF confirms green belt reform and local plan focus

Housebuilders will be able to bring forward proposals on “grey belt” land if local authorities fail to have up-to-date local plans or do not allow enough housing for local targets, according to the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Under the new NPPF, the consultation for which launched today (July 30), councils will need to review their green belt land “if needed to meet their own target” and identify “grey belt” land. This is now defined as land on the edge of existing settlements or roads, and land including old petrol stations and car parks.

Housebuilders will be permitted to submit grey belt proposals under the circumstances given, but “in all cases,” the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said, land safeguarded for environmental purposes would continue to receive protection.

Under other proposals for green belt reform, MHCLG said land released in the green belt must adhere to the previously trailed “golden rules”. These include a requirement for 50% affordable housing and for the supporting infrastructure to be in place, with schemes also needing to increase green space access.

In her statement to the House of Commons earlier, Angela Rayner, deputy prime minister and …