Understand
Concern in Effingham as green fields are reclassified as grey belt land
Overview
Residents, councillors, and campaigners in Effingham, Surrey, are expressing frustration after a recent assessment found that local green fields meet the criteria to be reclassified as "grey belt" land, potentially making them easier to develop. Introduced by ministers in 2024 to target low-quality land like scrubland and disused car parks, critics argue the policy is instead capturing open fields separating villages. In Guildford borough, an assessment found that 92% of the green belt could be classified as grey belt. Local leaders and MPs are calling on the government to rethink the rules, while housebuilders argue the policy supports necessary housing development and infrastructure.
Key points
- Land around the village of Effingham has been assessed as meeting the criteria for "grey belt" classification, raising concerns about potential development.
- The grey belt category was introduced by ministers in 2024 to make it easier to build on low-quality land such as scrubland and disused car parks.
- An assessment in Guildford borough found that 92% of the green belt could be classified as grey belt.
- Campaigners and local MPs claim the government's criteria fail to protect land around villages properly, partly due to the removal of a protective footnote in planning guidelines.
- Guildford Borough Council stated that classification does not automatically mean the whole borough is available for development and that a local plan is being formulated.
- The National Federation of Builders defends the policy, arguing it helps provide necessary housing, affordable homes, and supporting infrastructure.