Overview

The Green Belt (Protection) Bill aims to protect green belt land in England by creating a national register, restricting de-designation, and controlling development on land previously designated as green belt.

Description

This bill establishes a publicly accessible national register of all land designated as Green Belt in England as of January 1st, 2019. The register will be updated to reflect any changes in designation, classifying de-designated land as "Former Green Belt land" and newly designated land as "New Green Belt land".

The bill significantly restricts the ability of local authorities to de-designate Green Belt land (as of January 1st, 2019). De-designation is only permitted if an equivalent or larger area of land is designated as a replacement, meeting specific criteria. This replacement land must be adjacent to areas with above-average housing density and meet any Green Belt criteria set by the Secretary of State in the National Planning Policy Framework. The bill also prevents denser housing development on former Green Belt land than exists on adjacent land.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state any direct costs or savings to government spending. The costs associated with creating and maintaining the national register and the potential impact on planning decisions would need further assessment.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Face significant restrictions on their power to de-designate green belt land, potentially impacting local planning and housing targets.
• Developers: Will face stricter regulations regarding development on Green Belt land and former Green Belt land. The density of housing on former Green Belt land is restricted.
• Environmental Groups: Likely to see this bill positively, as it strengthens protections for green belt land.
• Residents: May experience both positive and negative impacts depending on their location and proximity to green belt land. Some may face restrictions on developments; others may benefit from enhanced environmental protections.

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