Is it possible to build on greenbelt

Once built on, it can never be restored. Considering the competing arguments, should we build on the green belt, or would this irreversibly damage the countryside and do little to solve the housebuilding shortfall?

This section provides a summary of the key issues in the debate, set in the context of recent discussions and the competing positions that have been adopted.

What is the green belt? First formally proposed as a Metropolitan Green Belt surrounding London in , the subsequent Town and Country Planning Act of broadened the remit, to allow local authorities around the country to formally designate their own areas of green belt land [Ref: Wikipedia ]. At its core, green belt policy was conceived to control urban sprawl by ensuring that towns and cities had a ring of countryside where agriculture, forestry and wildlife could flourish, and that city dwellers could easily access [Ref: Wikipedia ].

But recently, the nature of the green belt has come under increasing pressure from critics who argue that it stifles our ability to build vital infrastructure, such as housing. With this backdrop, the debate hinges on what should be done to build the homes and infrastructure that commentators on both sides admit we need, and what we want our cities, towns and countryside to look like in the future. Loosen the green belt Critics suggest that there are two main reasons why we should build on the green belt.

They also note how little of the UK is actually built on, and reject the idea that there are small pockets of countryside which must be protected at all costs — as urbanised zones make up only 9. As such, it is estimated that by building on just 5.

For some, a more ambitious, radical and utopian approach to city planning is what is required, with the ability to expand into the green belt key to this vision.

Instead of squeezing more flats into every space that becomes available…London needs more green space in its centre, and wider streets. Others point to the success of the original garden cities of Welwyn and Letchworth, along with new towns such as Milton Keynes [Ref: Wikipedia ], as a template for how new towns can be built successfully in the countryside [Ref: Guardian ].

That is the very essence of trying to achieve sustainable development. Planning authorities take a holistic view when judging developments. They want to see residents economically and socially involved in the community. Developments that help fulfil that goal have the edge. There are strategic land opportunities across the country. If you are a local developer and want to stick to your area, you should seek out greenfield and Green Belt land at the edge of settlements.

You can then assess those sites based on the criteria above and their commercial viability. If you are not tied down to your area, it is worth assessing the need for housing nationally. Such greenfield sites can also take less time to promote years. Craig heads up all the wordy parts of LandTech. He writes a lot of what you read, and works with other much smarter people on the rest.

But mostly? He makes sure we sound like us. Registered Company Number Stay up to date with our latest articles, product updates and more with our newsletter! To find out what we do with your data, please read our Privacy Policy. How to get planning permission in the Green Belt. Craig Beadle. Related Posts. How to write letters that get a response from landowners. Land Finding.

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