While the promotion of new housebuilding was the primary purpose of the grey belt legislation, land can also be developed for a range of commercial and other uses where there is a proven need.
Developments on grey belt land must meet a ‘demonstrable need’. For residential development it must address a housing shortfall and align with the local plan. For major housing schemes there is also a requirement to offer 15% more affordable housing than usual, up to a 50% cap.
For employment, commercial or industrial grey belt development, market studies proving a lack of suitable space are required. For community facilities, a strategic assessment showing demand for school, healthcare or public services are required. A mixed use development needs to justify the need for all of the proposed uses.
Even if a site qualifies as Grey Belt, securing planning permission on grey belt requires a range of other planning requirements to be met. These are relevant to the individual application, such as sustainability policies, highways and infrastructure policies, and environmental impact policies. All proposals need to demonstrate the wider benefits of the proposal that align with national and local policies.
