Hectares of Grey Belt land in the Green Belt

Release date:
12 November 2026

FOI reference: FOI-2026-3817

You asked

I would like to find out how much of England's Green Belt has been identified or assessed as meeting the definition of Grey Belt following the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024.

Please could you tell me:

  1. How many hectares of Green Belt land across England have been identified or assessed as Grey Belt?
  2. Of this land, how many hectares are:
    • Included, or potentially to be included, in strategic development sites in Local Plans?
    • Already covered by planning permission?
    • Subject to a current planning application?

If possible, please provide a breakdown by local planning authority, together with details of the sites involved and their locations.

If the ONS does not hold these figures, please could you let me know what relevant information you do hold and advise which government department or public authority is responsible for collecting or holding this data?

We said

Thank you for your request.

Unfortunately, we do not hold the information that you have requested. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) may be better placed to assist with this request. They can be contacted via email at FOI@communities.gov.uk.

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