Guildford and Barnet councils review green belt development plans

Guildford Borough Council in Surrey said no decisions have been made to build on green belt land after an assessment identified some sites that meet the government’s new “grey belt” definition. The council stressed that the designation does not automatically trigger development and that any proposals must still satisfy strict planning requirements under the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework, which allows low‑quality green belt to be redesignated to meet housing targets.

Barnet Council in north London warned Mayor Sadiq Khan that he “does not have the remit” to alter the borough’s Green Belt after the draft London Plan identified several areas for possible redevelopment. The plan proposes that Green Belt land could be used for housing if it meets “sustainable location tests”, such as proximity to bus routes or railway stations. Barnet said it will carefully assess the proposals before responding, emphasizing that any changes must follow proper procedures.