Revisiting the Green Belt's Conservation Strategy
In the recent general election, housing and economic growth were key policy areas, and one of the debated topics was the potential use of Green Belt land for addressing future housing needs. The Green Belt, primarily protected to prevent urban sprawl, preserve the natural environment, and maintain openness around cities, is now under review by the new Labour government.
Despite the Green Belt's importance in managing urban growth, the government is considering selective releases of some Green Belt land, particularly in sustainable locations, to help meet housing demand. This strategic approach aims to balance the need for new homes with protecting environmental and community values.
According to Carter Jonas' research, the average plot size for these homes would be 0.033 hectares. Selecting sites of lower environmental value which are not designated for conservation would ensure that the impact on the natural environment is minimized. Greater leniency in developing in the Green Belt, particularly around transport interchanges, could pave the way for residential and commercial development, while helping to shorten journey times and reduce congestion.
The quantum of land to be removed from the Green Belt is expected to be modest, with brownfield and non-Green Belt locations being prioritized. If all these homes were built in the Green Belt, it would only account for 3.0% of the current extent of Green Belt. In five regions, a 6% increase in housing would equate to less than 3% of Green Belt land being released.
The new Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes over five years, with an annual target of 300,000 homes. The debate about the Green Belt's role in housing development is particularly relevant at this time of acute housing need. The immediate relevance of the debate today provides an opportunity to debunk the myths that have arisen in relation to the Green Belt, which are impinging on the ability of local planning authorities to enable sustainable development.
The government is committed to a strategic approach to the use of the Green Belt as part of a broader strategy to raise the rate of housebuilding. This includes ongoing commitments to increase woodland cover and tree planting targets under the Environment Act 2021, which supports sustainability goals within land management policies but could also overlap with considerations for land use changes on the urban fringe. Moreover, local development planning processes increasingly seek input from communities on land use, including housing, green spaces, and renewable energy, reflecting a more integrated approach to development and environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Green Belt land remains protected for its environmental and planning purposes, but under the new Labour government, there is a clear intention to explore its potential contribution to easing housing shortages, subject to careful planning, local consultation, and sustainability considerations.
- The government's policy now includes the strategic release of certain Green Belt land for housing, aiming to promote regeneration by meeting housing needs while preserving environmental and community values, demonstrating a commitment to education-and-self-development through providing adequate housing.
- In the context of acute housing need, the debate about the Green Belt's role in development extends beyond just housing, incorporating sports facilities, as accessible housing could potentially facilitate community engagement and well-rounded education-and-self-development opportunities, including sports.
