What is grey belt?
Grey belt was introduced in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’) published on 12 December 2024, as part of a suite of measures by the Government to help build 1.5M new homes over the parliamentary period. On 27 February the National Planning Policy Guidance (‘NPPG’) was updated to provide further guidance on assessing and identifying grey belt.
Grey Belt, as defined in Annex 2 of the NPPF, is previously developed land (‘PDL’) or Green Belt land that does “not strongly” contribute to purposes A, B or D (relating to checking unrestricted sprawl, preventing merging of towns and preserving historic setting). Also, notably, the NPPF updated the definition of PDL to include hardstanding as well as permanent structures.
To see all previous decisions, read our growing appeal of grey belt article.
Allowed Grey Belt Planning Appeals
| Case | Inspectors Comments |
|---|---|
| APP/D2320/W/25/3359070 – ALLOWED (30 April 2025) Land adjacent to Taleford House, Squirrel Lane, Anderton, Lancashire (1 dwelling) | PDL and grey belt. |
| APP/K3605/W/24/3352866 – ALLOWED (24 April 2025) Former Weylands Treatment Works, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Elmbridge. (40 affordable homes and commercial development) | No contribution to Green Belt purposes. Constitutes Grey Belt and meets Golden Rules. Needs case was key. |
| APP/M1520/W/24/3351658 – ALLOWED (15 April 2025) 451–469 Daws Heath Road, Hadleigh, Essex. Castle Point. (173 dwellings) | Grey Belt status confirmed after settlement considered to be a village. |
| APP/M3645/W/24/3354498 – ALLOWED (11 April 2025) Land South of Kenley Aerodrome, Caterham. Tandridge. (80 dwellings) | Grey Belt and meets Golden Rules. |
Dismissed Grey Belt Planning Appeals
| Case | Inspectors Comments |
|---|---|
| APP/Q4625/W/24/3352513 – DISMISSED (29 April 2025) Land NW of Oakfield, Windmill Lane, Dorridge. Solihull. (1 dwelling) | Grey Belt but not sustainable |
| APP/B1740/W/24/3348063 – DISMISSED (16 April 2025) Land adjacent to Lavenham, Sway Road, Lymington. New Forest. (Barn) | Not Previously Developed Land and not Grey Belt. Harm to openness of the Green Belt. |
| APP/C3620/W/24/3347843 – DISMISSED (16 April 2025) Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Pleasure Pit Road, Ashtead, Surrey. Mole Valley. KT21 1HU. (23 dwellings) | Constitutes Grey Belt but fails to meet Golden Rules. Inappropriate development with harm to openness. Very Special Circumstances not demonstrated. |