Green-belt Planning Policy Esher and Walton 2026-09-07

2026-09-07

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Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The question arises from concerns about changes to planning rules that have sparked speculative development applications in the constituency, threatening the green belt and local infrastructure.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of planning policy on green-belt land in Esher and Walton constituency? The Government changes to planning rules are of considerable concern to constituents, leading to speculative applications everywhere. Theoretically, the changes could mean the whole constituency, which is 50% green belt and has seven stations, will be concreted over. Constituents are not opposed to growth or house building but do not want to be ignored. The long-standing right of councillors to call in applications has been removed, which runs counter to the new Prime Minister's values on devolution. I wrote to the Secretary of State on 28 July and have not received a reply.
The national planning policy framework contains strong protections for the green belt, making clear that inappropriate development in it should not be approved unless justified by very special circumstances. It is for local planning authorities themselves to set and review green-belt boundaries in accordance with national policy in the NPPF. I fully appreciate the hon. Lady's concerns about inappropriate development around stations, such as Hersham and Claygate in her constituency. It is right that we seek to promote good development around well-connected stations, outside of settlements or on green-belt land, as those are some of the most sustainable locations for new homes in the country. However, the new NPPF makes clear that development proposals around such stations should not prejudice any proposals for long-term comprehensive development in the same location, and must also be of a scale that can be accommodated, taking into account existing or proposed availability of infrastructure.
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