Weekly planning news

New guidance on grey belt: Key updates for local authorities 

The UK Government has issued updated guidance to help local authorities assess potential grey belt sites, ensuring any changes align with national planning policies and sustainability goals.

The guidance includes a clear framework for reviewing Green Belt boundaries during local plan updates. It emphasises the importance of maintaining the Green Belt’s core purpose—preventing urban sprawl, preserving separation between towns, and protecting historic settings. Any potential changes must be carefully assessed, considering the impact on green space and sustainable development.

Importantly, identifying grey belt land does not automatically mean it will be released for development. Decisions must align with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local priorities.

To support these reviews, the government has allocated £9.31 million to 133 councils. This funding will help local authorities carry out detailed assessments, gather evidence, and engage communities in reviewing Green Belt boundaries. The initiative balances the need for housing development with the protection of vital environmental spaces.

This strategic review will ensure that councils are better equipped to make informed, evidence-based decisions for the long-term management of Green Belt areas.

Fire safety updates: Key amendments to Approved Document B

The government has introduced significant updates to Approved Document B (Fire Safety), set to take effect on 2 March 2025. These amendments are designed to provide clearer guidance on fire safety requirements for both residential properties (Volume 1) and non-residential buildings (Volume 2).

Key changes to fire safety regulations 

For Dwellings (Volume 1)

• Section 10.14: The reference to Table B1 has been updated to clarify its validity until 1 March 2025, ensuring industry professionals are aligned on compliance timelines.
• Section 17.1: The term ‘material alteration’ has been removed to better align with Regulation 38. Now, fire safety information must be handed over to the relevant duty holder at the earliest of:
  • Project completion
  • First occupation of the building or extension

For Other Buildings (Volume 2)

• Section 12.15: Similar to Volume 1, the note on Table B1 has been revised to ensure consistency across both volumes.
• Section 19.1: In line with Section 17.1 for dwellings, this section stresses the importance of providing fire safety information as early as possible.

Scope and Implementation 

These amendments apply to all relevant projects in England and impact developments governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022. The aim is to simplify compliance, making the fire safety regulations more accessible and practical for professionals working in the sector.

For further details, the updated version of Approved Document B, along with the latest amendments, is available on the official government website: Fire safety: Approved Document B - GOV.UK¹

Planning and Infrastructure Bill to be introduced this month

The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has confirmed that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will be introduced this month and have reinforced their commitment to proposals surrounding Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) addressing the issue of hope value. This legislation aims to enable land to be acquired without the added inflated costs that often come into play when land is purchased for public interest projects.

One of the key proposals within the Bill is a provision allowing local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict land at a fair value, excluding ‘hope value.’ This will give councils the flexibility to acquire land at a reasonable price, helping to accelerate the much-needed regeneration of these areas.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will play a pivotal role in the government’s broader planning reform agenda, with a focus on:

• Sustainable development
• Infrastructure delivery
• Housing supply

As the pioneers of land referencing, TerraQuest brings over 50 years of expertise in identifying and assessing land for infrastructure projects. We specialise in key CPO and DCO work, ensuring smooth progress in the early stages of projects. Our comprehensive services support pre-application and early application processes for these types of applications. Visit our website to find out more.²

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b
2. https://www.terraquest.co.uk/products-services/land-referencing