The London Assembly has passed a motion warning against government plans to weaken green belt protections in its draft National Planning Policy Framework. In the motion, moved by Conservative Assembly Member Alessandro Georgiou AM, the Assembly called for the government to review and provide clarity on how the proposed ‘grey belt’ designation will be defined.
The motion also stated that brownfield land should be the priority for new housing development, considering the importance of the green belt for the environment, biodiversity and quality of life.
Conservative Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell, spoke in support of the motion at the meeting on the 5th September. In his contribution Thomas highlighted the benefits to both physical and mental health of the green belt and warned that “once it is gone, it is gone”.
There are concerns locally that the Labour Governments plans could see housing targets quadrupled in Bexley and Bromley. Something that the local Conservative Members of Parliament; Louise French (Old Bexley and Sidcup), Peter Fortune (Bromley and Biggin Hill) and Gareth Bacon (Orpington) have all objected to.
Alessandro Georgiou AM, who proposed the motion, said:
"I am deeply concerned about the government's proposals to weaken green belt protections, which could have significant negative impacts on London’s environment and quality of life.
“The green belt is essential in preserving London’s beautiful green spaces and preventing urban sprawl.
“By supporting this motion, the Assembly has reaffirmed our desire to protect these vital areas and for new housing developments to prioritise brownfield sites.
“I strongly urge the government to maintain the robust protections that have served London’s green belt well for decades."
Thomas Turrell added:
“The green belt is not just the lungs of London, it is part of the DNA of communities in Bexley and Bromley. Concreting over it is not a realistic housing policy and we desperately need more information from this Government on what their so-called grey belt plans mean for our precious and important green belt.”
