Oliver Calls Out Government on Grey Belt

Sir Oliver in Parliament 14-07-25

On Monday in Parliament, Sir Oliver Dowden called out the government on its grey belt policy.

The lack of clarity around the grey belt policy is being used as an excuse for developers to get the green light in order for them to build over open countryside by redesignating green belt as grey belt. This follows representations made by constituents and local Conservative councillors about planning applications, such as Shenley Hill in Radlett, Bushey Hall Golf Club in Bushey, the land to the West of Barnet Road, and East of Baker Street in Potters Bar and the land adjacent to Barnet Lane in Elstree and Borehamwood. 

Sir Oliver predicted at the election that the grey belt would be used as an excuse to tarmac over green belt land. 

Sir Oliver said: ‘The Government promised to increase housing delivery through grey belt, not green belt, development. Grey belt was described as “poor quality land, car parks and wasteland.” However, since the new guidance was published, Hertsmere has been inundated with applications that simply seek to rebrand green belt as grey belt. The lack of clarity and the inconsistent application of the rules mean that such applications are hard to resist. Will the Minister provide greater clarity and tighten the rules before large swathes of Radlett, Bushey, Shenley, Potters Bar and Borehamwood succumb to urban sprawl?

The Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook replied: ‘I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that question. He cited the planning practice guidance we have issued, which has a very clear definition of the grey belt and the rules for it. When it comes to plan making, local authorities must take a sequential approach. On decision making for applications outside of local plans, he will know that we have imposed very strict laws to ensure viability assessments are not used on those sites. Where development comes forward and is judged to be appropriate by decision makers—and by the Planning Inspectorate in appeals—those golden rules will also ensure high levels of affordable housing, infrastructure and access to green space.’

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