Interactive Green Belt Map

Development in the Green Belt

Essentially, the Green Belt is a policy for controlling urban growth and takes the form of a ring of countryside around towns and cities in England. The fundamental aim of the Green Belt is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping Green Belt land permanently open. Local and National planning policy is set up to resist the urbanisation of the Green Belt for the foreseeable future. The essence of the Green Belt is its openness. Openness does not have a legal definition and can be open to interpretation but is often considered to refer to the absence of buildings. 

Securing Planning Permission for a New House on a Green Belt Site.

The approach to development in the Although it is highly controlled, it is possible to obtain planning permission for a new house on a Green Belt site. The most common routes to approval are as follows:

1. The conversion of a building which has had an Agricultural Use for over 10 years. This is typically a barn conversion. 

2. Housing constructed for a Housing Association (i.e. non market housing).

3. The Green Belt boundary can be moved by the Local Council to allow development in the area.

4. Housing can be constructed if it is required for a rural worker to live onsite.

5. A one off new-build dwelling of exceptional architectural merit can sometimes be granted permission. This is colloquially known as a 'Para 80' house.

2024 Update

According to the revised guidelines in the 2024 NPPF paragraph 155, development will be allowed in the Green Belt is appropriate it meets the following conditions:

1. The development would utilise grey belt land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan.

2. There is a demonstrable unmet need for the type of development proposed.

3. The development would be in a sustainable location, with particular reference to paragraphs 110 and 115 of the NPPF 2024.

4. Where applicable the development proposed meets the ‘Golden Rules’ requirements set out in paragraphs 156-157 the NPPF 2024.

The ‘Golden Rules’

The ‘Golden Rules’ are key principles developers must follow when proposing a Green Belt development. These are:

1. Affordable housing: The project must include affordable housing, either in line with development plan policies or calculated according to paragraph 157 of the NPPF.

2. Infrastructure improvements: The development must include necessary improvements to local or national infrastructure.

3. Green spaces: New or improved green spaces must be accessible to the public.

Green Belt Projects by Paul Ashton Architects

New-Build House in Rainhill, West Lancashire

Planning Permission secured for a low-energy retirement dwelling and sits on the footprint of a small, existing outbuilding.

Green Belt Extension in Macclesfield

Planning Permission secured for a structural glass conservatory..

New-Build Family House in Chester

Planning Permission secured for a new build 4 bedroom family dwelling that replaced an existing bungalow. The site is located on Tarvin Road, Chester. The dwelling features Passivhaus levels of thermal efficiency and spectacular views over the open countryside.

Green Belt Extension in West Lancashire

Planning Permission secured for a extension to a locally listed dwelling in Aughton, West Lancashire.