Overview

This bill aims to strengthen the protection of Green Belt land in England by creating a national register, restricting de-designation, and controlling development on land previously designated as Green Belt.

Description

The bill establishes a publicly accessible national register of all Green Belt land as it stood on January 1st, 2023. This register will be updated to reflect any future changes in designation, clearly labeling land as either "Former Green Belt land" or "New Green Belt land".

De-designation Restrictions

The bill significantly restricts the ability of local authorities to remove land from Green Belt designation. De-designation is only permitted if the local authority designates an alternative area of equal or greater size as Green Belt land. This alternative land must:

• Adjoin land with above-average housing density.
• Meet criteria defined in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Furthermore, development on land previously designated as Green Belt ("Former Green Belt land") cannot exceed the density of adjacent housing.

Definition of Green Belt Land

The bill defines "Green Belt land" as land fitting the criteria laid out in the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938 and any other land designated to restrict development.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated, but creating and maintaining the national register and associated administration will incur some costs. No specific figures are provided within the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Local authorities: Their ability to de-designate Green Belt land is significantly curtailed, potentially impacting local development plans.
• Developers: Restrictions on development in and around Green Belt areas will likely limit their opportunities.
• Environmental groups: These groups may see the bill as a positive step toward protecting green spaces.
• Residents: Those living near Green Belt areas may experience differing impacts depending on their specific location and the local authority's plans.

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