Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to protect the green belt; and if he will make a statement.

National planning policy gives strong protection to the Green Belt, making clear that most development is inappropriate, and that Green Belt should be altered only in exceptional circumstances, through the Local Plan process, and in consultation with the local community.

Local planning authorities are responsible for managing Green Belt in line with national policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. Local planning authorities must have due regard to national policies – including Green Belt - in planning to meet housing and other needs which indicate that development should be restricted.