The House of Lords has called for views about how ‘grey belt’ land may be best identified and used to hit government housing targets.

Its Built Environment Committee has begun an inquiry into the government’s proposals following the announcement in July of revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The NPPF consultation proposed that the development of previously developed land (PDL) should be prioritised and that local planning authorities in England should review their green belts.

The proposals allow for the inclusion of ‘grey belt’ sites constituting ‘land in the green belt comprising previously developed land and any other parcels and/or areas of green belt land that make a limited contribution to the five green belt purposes’.

The consultation says that restrictions currently applied to PDL and limited infilling in the green belt in the current NPPF should be relaxed so that it is clear that development is ‘not inappropriate where it would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the green belt’.

It is part of the government’s plans for the delivery of 1.5m new homes over the course of the next five years of this parliament.

This (NPPF) consultation closes on September 24.

The House of Lords says its Built Environment Committee inquiry will focus on how the government and local authorities might identify grey belt areas thought suitable for development and how to ensure new homes are supported by the necessary infrastructure and local amenities.

It has called for views and written evidence in response to a series of questions, including  the definition of ‘grey belt’, the number of homes which could be built and whether ‘grey belt’ is a better way to deliver new homes rather than existing processes for re-designating green belt land.

Other questions cover infrastructure and amenities necessary for grey belt housing development and affordable housing.

Its deadline for written evidence is 14 October. The committee intends to hold sessions in October and November before sending its conclusions and recommendations to the government in early in 2025.

There are some interesting questions and it is right that the necessary rigour is applied to any proposed changes but it is also very important that reforms are not delayed or development given any new barriers to cross.

Visit the House of Lords website here to see the full list of questions and have your say.

You can also contact us to find out more about what these developments means for your plans or project.

ENDS