Managing Green Belt Policies and Land Use in England and Wales: Legal Frameworks and Recent Developments

Produced in partnership with Stephen Morgan of Landmark Chambers

Practice notes

Managing Green Belt Policies and Land Use in England and Wales: Legal Frameworks and Recent Developments

Produced in partnership with Stephen Morgan of Landmark Chambers

Practice notes

STOP PRESS: An updated version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 12 December 2024. This content is being reviewed in accordance with the latest version.

The fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. The essential characteristics of green belts are their openness and permanence.

Policy

National planning policy relating to green belts in England is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was originally published on 27 March 2012 but has since been replaced with revised versions, the latest in December 2023. It requires local planning authorities (LPAs) to draw up green belt boundaries and determine planning applications in accordance with the NPPF's policies on green belts. There is a general presumption against inappropriate development unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated to show that the benefits of the development will outweigh the harm caused to the green belt. The NPPF sets out what would constitute appropriate development in the green belt. For more information see Practice Note: Development in the green

Stephen Morgan

Landmark Chambers

Stephen has always specialised in planning and related fields of law, having graduated in both law and planning. One of his main areas of practice is village greens and commons and he regularly sits as a village green Inspector as well as advising and appearing in relation to these matters. His experience, both as adviser and advocate, also covers the range of planning and related topics, including major infrastructure projects and in particular waste and energy facilities; his work covers the regulatory aspects (under the various regimes and Directives) as well as the planning issues. His practice covers the whole range of developments including large new settlements, along with other residential, commercial and mixed use developments of all scales.

Stephen has regularly given presentations as part of the Landmark Chambers seminar series but also at other major events. These have covered planning policy, highways, village greens and commons and localism and neighbourhood planning.

In Legal 500 for 2023 it is stated that 'Stephen is a pleasure to work with, highly accessible, very thorough and provides clear and concise advice. Stephen's advocacy skills are excellent and, in particular, he strikes up a great rapport with planning inspectors.'

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

NPPF definition

What does NPPF mean?

National Planning policy Framework.

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