Weekly planning news
Planning news - 3 April 2025
Research Finds Grey Belt Policy Boosts Housing Approvals
Recent research has suggested the fledgling grey belt designation is making a real impact on housing delivery.
Analysis by Marrons1 shows that 49% of Green Belt appeals since the grey belt policy was introduced in mid-December have been approved—up from just 31% in the same period the previous year. Of the 70 appeals reviewed, one in three were successful, indicating that the policy is easing restrictions and supporting project viability.
Given the nation's ambitious development goals, this encouraging research is likely to be welcomed by the government. Although they relaxed their previously strict golden rules on grey belt release, the policy remains a cornerstone in achieving their housing objectives.
We’ve reported on several key grey belt decisions over recent months, which you can explore in our weekly news.2
For a closer look at how government initiatives are shaping land availability, read our report Plotting the Future3. You can also explore the early impact of grey belt in our recent blog.4
Join our Head of Land, Jack Johnson, at the Property Developer Show5 in Bristol on 30th April, where he’ll be discussing how grey belt is influencing project feasibility.
Two Councils Escape ‘Special Measures’ as Government Assesses Planning Performance
Two local authorities previously placed under the government’s ‘special measures’ programme for poor planning performance now sit below the threshold for intervention, according to the latest figures from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).6
Under the policy, councils that see more than 10 per cent of their major or non-major planning decisions overturned at appeal over a two-year assessment period can have their decision-making powers stripped, with developers able to bypass them and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate. However, recent data covering the two years to March 2024 shows that Chorley Council in Lancashire and Uttlesford District Council in Essex have both improved their performance and now fall below the government’s intervention threshold.
Chorley Council, which was designated in December 2023 for poor decision-making across both major and non-major applications, has now reduced its overturned decisions to just 0.5 per cent for non-major developments and 7.3 per cent for major applications. Meanwhile, Uttlesford, which had been in special measures since February 2022, has reported significant improvements, with only 5.5 per cent of major and two per cent of non-major applications overturned at appeal. The council cited a robust improvement plan, a near-full team of permanent staff, and a drastic reduction in committee overturns as key factors in its turnaround.
Consultation Open on New Building Control Regime for Higher-Risk Buildings in Wales
Welsh government have launched a consultation on the next phase of its building control regime for higher-risk buildings, seeking input on new duties for decision-makers and enhanced enforcement powers for local authorities. The consultation, part of the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022, closes on 25 May.
The proposals aim to introduce "a more stringent regulatory regime during design and construction for higher-risk buildings" and bring changes to building regulations in Wales. Key measures include:
- New enforcement powers for local authorities, including compliance and stop notices.
- Gateway processes for higher-risk building work.
- Clear guidelines on how the golden thread of building information is stored, managed, and shared.
Responses can be submitted until 25 May – you can respond to the consultation by visiting the Welsh Government website.7
We're delighted to announce that as of 31 March, Planning Portal began offering application services across Wales. You can find out more on our blog. 8
- https://marrons.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/Marrons-Grey-Belt-Impact-Assessment-March-2025.pdf
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/weekly-planning-news
- https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/plotting-for-the-future
- https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/the-evolution-of-a-revolutionary-greybelt-policy
- https://propertydevelopershow.co.uk/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-planning-application-statistics
- https://www.gov.wales/new-building-control-regime-higher-risk-buildings-and-wider-changes-building-regulations-wales
- https://blog.planningportal.co.uk/2025/03/11/planning-portal-to-offer-planning-application-services-across-wales/
