This government has a brownfield first approach to development, and we want to see previously used land prioritised wherever possible. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) makes clear that substantial weight should be given to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements, including bringing back into residential use empty homes and the development of under-utilised land and buildings, to meet the need for homes, including social and affordable homes, and other uses.

Changes we made to the Framework in December 2024 broadened the definition of brownfield land, set a strengthened expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved, and made clear that plans should promote an uplift in density in urban areas. On 22 September 2024, we published a 'brownfield passport' policy paper inviting views on how we might further prioritise and fast-track building on previously used urban land.

However, we know that there are simply not enough sites on brownfield land registers to deliver the volume of homes that the country needs each year, let alone enough that are viable and in the right location. To deliver the homes and commercial development our country needs, we have enabled the targeted release of grey belt land within Green Belts.

This government is committed to preserving Green Belts which have served England's towns and cities well over many decades, not least in terms of checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas and preventing neighbouring towns merging into one another.

Our revised NPPF does not alter the existing five purposes of the Green Belt, which local authorities should continue to have regard to. It does, however, replace the previous haphazard approach to Green Belt designation and release with a more strategic, targeted approach. This includes making clear that, where it is necessary to release Green Belt land for development, local plans should prioritise previously developed land before looking to other grey belt land.

The revised Framework sets out a definition of grey belt, which clarifies that grey belt land must not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d). This will include previously developed land in the Green Belt, as well as other land which, whilst formally designated as Green Belt land, no longer adequately contributes to the Green Belt purposes.

Our definition responded to careful consideration of consultation responses, the details being set out in the Government Response to the consultation on the revised National Planning Policy Framework. Supported by our updated Green Belt guidance, published on 27 February 2025, this will ensure a consistent approach to the identification of grey belt land.

Where land is identified as grey belt, that does not mean it is automatically granted planning permission. The potential consequences of any planning proposal should still be assessed in light of all relevant Plan policies and policy in the Framework. Our changes do not weaken existing protections for the natural environment, such as National Landscapes, or the importance of the best and most versatile agricultural land.

The government recognises the public value provided by the Green Belt. That is why the Framework requires that any major development on it, progressed either through plan preparation/review or on sites subject to a planning application, must comply with Golden Rules.

These Golden Rules ensure Green Belt development benefits communities and nature by requiring the delivery of higher levels of affordable housing, the provision of new or improved green space accessible to the public, and the making of necessary improvements to local and national infrastructure.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government