Civic Voice has stressed the critical role of Local Plans in response to House of Lords ‘Grey Belt’ Inquiry.
Civic Voice writes:
Civic Voice, the national charity for civic societies in England, has submitted a detailed response to the House of Lords Built Environment Committee’s inquiry into the Government’s Grey Belt proposals. In its response, Civic Voice stresses the essential role of local plans and local authorities in guiding responsible development on Grey Belt land, ensuring that housing needs are met without compromising the integrity of the Green Belt or the character of communities.
Key Recommendations from Civic Voice include:
- Civic Voice asserting that Local authorities are best positioned to assess the suitability of land for development and to ensure that housing targets are met in a way that aligns with local infrastructure, environmental priorities, and community needs. Development decisions must be plan-led and responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities within each locality.
- Civic Voice calls on the Government to implement a clear and enforceable definition of Grey Belt, warning that ambiguity could lead to speculative land degradation. Ensuring that land reclassification is based on objective criteria is crucial for upholding the principles of sustainable development.
- The response advocates for greater collaboration between local authorities, particularly where Grey Belt land crosses boundaries, calling for the reinstatement of sub-regional planning frameworks to support cohesive, joined-up decision-making across local areas.
- Civic Voice also stressed the risks of prioritising Grey Belt sites for development over more suitable Green Belt areas warning that development must consider a range of factors such as transport links, accessibility, and local services, ensuring that the most appropriate sites are chosen for sustainable growth.
Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice, emphasised the critical role of local authorities in determining development priorities: ‘Our message is clear—local plans must remain at the heart of decision-making. Local authorities undertaking meaningful engagement with communities understand their areas better than anyone and are uniquely placed to make informed, strategic decisions on development. We must resist any top-down approaches that bypass the local knowledge and planning frameworks that communities rely on to shape their futures.Civic Voice also calls for a balanced approach to Grey Belt development, ensuring that new housing is supported by essential infrastructure such as public transport, schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces. Without these provisions, new developments risk being unsustainable and disconnected from existing communities’.