Lords Committee launches “grey belt” inquiry

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry into the government’s “grey belt” plans.

The short inquiry, with a call for evidence running until October 14, will aim “to gain a better understanding” of the government’s new concept of grey belt, how it can contribute to the government’s target to build 1.5 million homes and what sustainable grey belt development looks like.

In its consultation on revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Labour has defined grey belt as green belt land “which makes a limited contribution to the green belt’s purposes”.

These purposes, according to paragraph 143 of the current NPPF, include checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, preventing neighbouring towns from merging into each other and preserving the setting and special character of historic towns. The new government has previously pointed to old petrol stations and car parks within the green belt as grey belt.

The committee’s inquiry will also look at the proposed “golden rules” determining land releases within the green belt. These include the requirements for the delivery of affordable housing provision, infrastructure and enhanced green spaces. The inquiry will consider how these may affect …