Green Belt Planning Permission
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People often assume that getting planning permission to build or extend on Green Belt land is just too difficult but that is not always true and it is possible to get projects approved even if they are within the green belt.
The National Planning Policy Framework clearly sets out the government’s approach to protecting the Green Belt, stating that “The Government attaches great importance of Green Belts. 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 their permanence.”
The principle is that the erection of buildings in the Green Belt is inappropriate and only permissible under very special circumstances.
So it is understandable to feel that getting planning permission in a designated green belt area is impossible to achieve. However, there are a handful of exceptions and CT Planning have been successful in bringing forward a wide range of development proposals within the Green Belt.
Because the possible exceptions are very limited in nature, it makes sense to seek professional planning advice before getting too far into your project.
Exceptions to the presumption against inappropriate development within Green Belts can include:
- Adding an extension or altering an existing building within the green belt as long as any additions are proportionate and don’t significantly change the size of the original building
- Replacing an existing building where the new building that is erected on the green belt land is not very much bigger than the original building and is intended to be used for the same purposes as the original
- Although renewable energy projects are generally deemed to be inappropriate development, if there are wider environmental benefits it may be possible to demonstrate very special circumstances that would be permitted
- Some limited infilling within existing villages may be possible
- Some redevelopment of previously developed land so long as the openness of the Green Belt is not impacted
CT Planning’s experts can advise on how to fit your project within the narrow list of exceptions set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. We can also assist you in preparing a case of very special circumstances to justify inappropriate development.
The Government has also set out advice on the role of the Green Belt within the planning system which provides more details of what can be taken into account when assessing the impact of development on the Green Belt.
Yes they do in most circumstances unless your property also sits within a conservation area, a National Park, a National landscape (AONB), or a World Heritage site. It is strongly recommended that you work with planners and architects with expertise in this area.
If you are temporarily storing a static caravan on your own property this can fall under a General Permitted Development order, however, if this falls outside of your own residential property it is likely to be deemed inappropriate development and is only acceptable in very special circumstances. If you wish to store a static caravan on your property which is intended to be lived in, this would be considered to be a new dwelling and therefore would be unlikely to be permitted. There may be special circumstances in relation to agricultural workers. This is definitely an area where advice is recommended.
As we outlined above it is possible to get planning permission for an extension with a green belt but it will depend on your scheme and how it relates to the existing building.
Planning consultants’ fees will vary depending on the complexity of the project. Getting the right planning advice at the right time in your project can end up saving you money and facilitate long term future income.
Our Managing Director Chris Timothy has extensive expertise assisting land owners with their green belt projects across England and Wales. Arrange a call with Chris or one of the team today and find out what is required to secure planning permission and take your project forward.
Chris Timothy
Lead Green Belt Planning Consultant
