NALC expresses support for housebuilding on previously developed land

We have cautiously welcomed the government’s proposals to build more houses on previously developed land.

In our response to the House of Lords Built Environment Committee inquiry into the Grey Belt, we stated that although we are, in principle, supportive of the development of previously developed land in the Green Belt, there can be issues with the creation of stranded settlements.

We also raised the importance of parish and town councils collaborating on planning applications involving Grey Belt land. Where neighbourhood plans are in place, they will provide important insight into the strategic issues involved.

The government recently proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework and consulted on a process for releasing Green Belt land, which included creating a new designation of Grey Belt land.

This inquiry will seek to understand better Grey Belt land, how it can contribute to housing targets, and what sustainable Grey Belt development looks like.