'Grey belt' areas assessed for building by council

A Surrey local authority has said it wants to reassure residents that no decisions have been made to build on green belt land.

It comes after an assessment by Guildford Borough Council found some of its areas meet the government's definition of "grey belt" or "provisionally grey belt".

"However, we are clear that this does not automatically mean development will happen," it said.

"Grey belt" is a national policy term used to describe land that does not strongly contribute to certain green belt purposes.

"It is not a planning decision," the council added.

• What is the 'grey belt' and how many homes could Labour build on it?

The move follows the introduction of the "grey belt" concept in the National Planning Policy Framework by the government in 2024.

Then-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner unveiled the planning system overhaul at the time as part of a pledge to build 1.5 million homes.

Under the plans, if a council's housing targets cannot be met, some "low quality" green belt land will be redesignated as grey belt to free up land for the construction of new homes.

Rules make it hard to build on green belt as applicants need to demonstrate very special circumstances to justify planning permission.

The government defines "grey belt" as "ugly areas" on the edge of existing settlements or roads, as well as old petrol stations and car parks.

Part of the planning change requires councils across the country to review their green belt.

"Any proposals would still need to meet strict planning requirements," said councillor Fiona White.

"We will continue to carefully consider what is right for Guildford and its communities."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.