‘Grey belt’ designation makes appearance in warehouse planning approval

Hertsmere Borough Council has approved the construction of a warehouse on green belt land following an officer's report that noted the land will be considered 'grey belt' under the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

In a planning committee meeting held on 15 August, councillors were told that the fact the land will be designated as grey belt in the future should hold no weight in the planning balance.

However, the advice added: "But Officers are minded to inform Members that should this policy be adopted, it is likely that the current application site could be considered 'Grey Belt'.

The concept of 'grey belt' was introduced in July as one of a number of suggested amendments to the NPPF and is defined as land in the green belt comprising previously developed land and any other parcels and/or areas of green belt land that make a limited contribution to the five green belt purpose.

A consultation on the proposals is ongoing and scheduled to end late this month (24 September).

The Hertsmere site, now earmarked for development, sits alongside the M25 on a parcel of green belt land that currently comprises one residential dwelling, disused stables and outbuildings, hard standing for car parking, and open fields with belts of vegetation around the site boundaries.

A single 11,500 sqm warehouse will now be constructed in place of the current structures.

In a report to the planning committee, a planning officer wrote: "On 30 July 2024, the Government launched a consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF. Changes to the Green Belt paragraphs would make developing brownfield land a stronger priority, followed by newly defined 'grey belt' land.

"Officers consider that the application site would comprise grey belt land per this definition, as demonstrated below. A newly inserted paragraph to the NPPF states that commercial development in the Green Belt will not be inappropriate provided the development would utilise grey belt land in sustainable locations, and subject to a number of other requirements."

The report later added: "The definition of 'Grey Belt' remains flexible, but is expected to refer to areas of Green Belt comprising Previously Developed Land that make limited contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt.

"This new policy remains at consultation stage and carries no weight in the planning balance, but Officers are minded to inform Members that should this policy be adopted, it is likely that the current application site could be considered 'Grey Belt'."

Adam Carey