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.

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.

Interactive Green Belt Map

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.

Domestic 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.