BALI Submits Evidence on Grey Belt to the Built Environment Committee

The Association has formally submitted its response to the Built Environment Committee’s call for evidence on the Grey Belt. This inquiry seeks input on how underutilised Grey Belt land (being disused, abandoned or low performing Green Belt land) can be developed while balancing the needs for housing and the environment.

The Built Environment Committee, which oversees discussions and inquiries in Parliament related to housing, infrastructure, and planning across the UK, is currently reviewing the potential of Grey Belt land within the Government’s housing strategy and reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework. The evidence submitted called strongly for a clearer definition of the grey belt to prevent the erosion of high-performing green belt land and pointed out that public access to nature and greenspaces needs to be improved overall.

Commenting on the submission, Chief Executive Wayne Grills said:

"Our members are at the forefront of creating sustainable and ecologically responsible landscapes. Grey Belt land represents an opportunity to apply innovative landscaping solutions that support both biodiversity and community living. Through careful design, we can transform these areas into multifunctional spaces that provide not just homes, but healthy environments with rich green spaces, improving air quality, mental health, and local biodiversity."

The submission also stresses the importance of safeguarding soil quality and health, the incorporation of green corridors, and ensuring robust collaboration between local authorities in managing grey belt developments to meet wider environmental and housing goals. In addition, BALI stressed the importance of multifunctional natural play areas and greenspaces that can enrich both community life and biodiversity. BALI also highlighted the importance of incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to address the challenges of water management.

Further details of the submission will be made available upon request after it has been reviewed by the Built Environment Committee. Once a decision is made from the Committee regarding the acceptance and publication of our evidence, the Association will provide full access to the document for members interested.

A link to the Built Environment Committee can be found here.