Change the ‘grey belt’ definition in the National Planning Policy Framework

We want an urgent change to the ‘grey belt’ definition in the NPPF. We think the grey belt glossary definition [which] could result in the loss of our countryside forever - vital for health and wellbeing, combatting climate change and supporting wildlife - needs revising.

‘Grey belt’ was initially described as poor-quality Green Belt land like disused car parks. We believe the new definition in the NPPF is so broad it could include almost any Green Belt land. The Green Belt prevents urban sprawl, protects nature & supports our health. We urge the Government to restore protections by ensuring that ‘grey belt’ proposals are judged against all 5 Green Belt purposes consistently throughout the NPPF to balance development needs against the many benefits of conservation.

This government has a brownfield first approach to development, and we want to see previously used land prioritised wherever possible. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that substantial weight should be given to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements, including bringing back into residential use empty homes and the development of under-utilised land and buildings, to meet the need for homes, including social and affordable homes, and other uses.

Changes we made to the Framework in December 2024 broadened the definition of brownfield land, set a strengthened expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved, and made clear that plans should promote an uplift in density in urban areas. On 22 September 2024, we published a 'brownfield passport' policy paper inviting views on how we might further prioritise and fast-track building on previously used urban land.

However, we know that there are simply not enough sites on brownfield land registers to deliver the volume of homes that the country needs each year, let alone enough that are viable and in the right location. To deliver the homes and commercial development our country needs, we have enabled the targeted release of grey belt land within Green Belts.

This government is committed to preserving Green Belts which have served England's towns and cities well over many decades, not least in terms of checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas and preventing neighbouring towns merging into one another.