Grey-belt Land 2026-02-23
2026-02-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over a specific golf course in Bromsgrove which is located in open countryside, containing 20,000 trees. The MP seeks clarity on the suitability of this land for housing developments.
Does the Minister really think that Bromsgrove golf course, being in open countryside with more than 20,000 trees, is suitable for development? Will he rule out development on such golf courses?
The hon. Member knows why I cannot speak to particular planning applications, but it is for local planning authorities to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist to justify the release of green belt and to undertake assessments on grey-belt land through plan making or specific applications.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ruling in or out development on particular sites, citing authority of local planners.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is based on a report by the Office for Budget Responsibility concluding that this Government's changes to planning policy will lead to an unprecedented increase in house building. The MP seeks further action from the government to support more social and affordable homes.
What more can this Government do to provide the uplift in social and affordable housing that residents in Harlow desperately need?
Our changes to the national planning policy framework have led to the biggest increase in house building in 40 years. We need a more strategic approach to green-belt land release, as brownfield sites are insufficient for meeting home demand.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific measures or timelines for social and affordable housing.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights a report identifying London's capacity for additional housing on brownfield sites. The MP questions why the government does not focus on these sites instead of releasing green belt.
Rather than focusing on releasing green belt for development, why do the Government not focus on building homes that already have planning permission and could be built on brownfield sites tomorrow?
The Government are focusing precisely on this. We have strengthened national planning policy in respect of previously developed land and our new homes accelerator is unblocking permission sites across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific examples or timelines for brownfield site development.
Response accuracy