Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Given the demands for additional housing in urban areas, and the lessons of the COVID-19...
Conclusion
Given the demands for additional housing in urban areas, and the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of green spaces for people dwelling in cities and large towns, it is concerning that the Government White Paper did not confirm the same protections for Metropolitan Open Land as for Green Belt Land. We therefore recommend that the Government extend the same protections that are provided under any new planning system to Metropolitan Open Land as apply for Green Belt. (Paragraph 212) Environmental and historical protections
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
59. The Government has no plans for a national review of the Green Belt. The Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, as set out in its manifesto. The National Planning Policy Framework includes clear protections for the Green Belt that will remain. This land is important for preventing urban sprawl into the countryside, while ensuring that towns and cities grow in a sustainable way. 60. In the Levelling Up White Paper, we made a commitment to further improvements to Green Belt land, in order to make green space and natural beauty accessible to all. In the Greater London area, Metropolitan Open Land has long been designated and protected for its landscape, recreational value, nature conservation or scientific interest. The London Plan provides Metropolitan Open Land with the same level of protection as Green Belt.