What is the Green Belt?
While Green Belts are essential for preserving the countryside and preventing urban sprawl, development is still allowed in certain situations. Contrary to popular belief, obtaining planning permission for developments on Green Belt land is not impossible and is acceptable in some circumstances.
The government sets out five purposes for including land within the Green Belt, these include:
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To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.
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To prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another.
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To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.
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To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.
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To assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Not all land outside built-up areas is designated as Green Belt. Green Belts are primarily areas of designated land around some major cities.
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
What can I build in the Green Belt?
Green Belt areas have some of the strictest planning controls, with policies that are the opposite of those in non-Green Belt areas. Normally, the planning system allows development to proceed unless it is harmful. In Green Belts, however, all development is considered inappropriate and harmful by default. Exceptions include those specified in government policy or situations where very special circumstances justify proceeding despite potential harm to the Green Belt.
The types of developments that are exceptions to the general rule in government policy for Green Belts include:
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Agricultural buildings.
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Facilities for outdoor sport and recreation.
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Extensions or alterations to existing buildings, provided they are not disproportionate additions.
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Replacement of an existing building with one that is not materially larger.
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Limited infilling in some villages.
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The redevelopment of previously developed land.
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
Do I need planning permission to build in the Green Belt?
Even if your property is on Green Belt land, you don't always need planning permission for certain changes, where permitted development rights apply. Your right to extend your property or put up outbuildings without applying to your local authority isn't restricted on Green Belt land, though it is restricted in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Conservation Areas.
Most local authorities have policies that limit proposals outside these rights. Extensions needing planning permission or proposals like replacing an existing dwelling are more closely controlled in Green Belts, with the size of any addition or replacement carefully scrutinised. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the correct project team with relevant experience to help secure permission.
Many local authorities are moving away from older policies that set strict limits on additions based on the volume of the existing building. This shift acknowledges that the impact is more about how a building is perceived rather than a strict empirical assessment of the existing and proposed structures.
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
What are the possibilities and benefits when carrying out a single storey extension?
Single-storey extensions provide a versatile way to expand your home without the complexities of multi-level construction. Here are some common uses and design ideas:
Considerations for developing in the Green Belt
Each site and proposal is unique and will have its own characteristics and considerations which should apply when preparing a development proposal in the Green Belt. Some tips to help secure a successful planning application in the Green Belt are:
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Respect the Openness: Design proposals that maintain the openness and visual character of the Green Belt.
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Leverage Existing Structures: Utilise existing buildings and previously developed sites to minimise impact.
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Innovative Design: Employ high-quality, innovative design solutions that enhance the environment and offer clear benefits.
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Environmental Benefits: Highlight any environmental enhancements, such as increased biodiversity or improved landscape management.
Securing planning permission in the Green Belt is challenging but possible with thorough good planning, diligent research, and sometimes community engagement. By comprehending the principles and policies that govern Green Belt development and demonstrating very special circumstances when necessary, you can effectively navigate the planning process. The key is to balance development needs with preserving the openness and character of the countryside, ensuring that any development within the Green Belt is sustainable and advantageous to both the community and the environment.
How can we help?
At G2, we've guided, prepared, submitted, and overseen numerous proposals in the Green Belt. We can evaluate your circumstances, advise on constraints and opportunities, assess its feasibility, and recommend the most effective approach to achieving planning consent.
Steps to planning your extension:
Initial Consultation: Discuss your ideas with a proffesional to understand feasibility, costs, and design options.
Design and Planning: Your proffesional will advise you as to whether your extension falls under permitted development or requires planning permission, you can then work together to develop detailed plans to submit to the council.
Building Regulations Approval: Following gaining consents from the council, it is advisable to have some detailed construction drawings produced, demonstrating compliance with Parts A-S of the UK building regulations. These will then be submitted to building control.
Party Wall Agreement: If necessary, obtain agreements from neighbour’s affected by the extension.
Construction: Following building control approval, hire a reputable builder and commence construction, ensuring all work is inspected and certified as per building regulations.
Completion: Once construction is finished, obtain a completion certificate from building control, confirming that the extension meets all regulatory requirements.
What do I need to submit with my planning application?
Planning applications require a number of different technical documents and coordination between them. Understanding what technical information is required to support your planning application is essential to its success. This requires a thorough assessment of the site and proposal against the local authorities and national validation list.
Planning applications should be thoroughly examined against all relevant local and national policies plus other relevant material considerations to ensure the scheme is compliant. This assessment is usually undertaken in a Planning Statement.
What do I need to submit with my planning application?
Planning applications require a number of different technical documents and coordination between them. Understanding what technical information is required to support your planning application is essential to its success. This requires a thorough assessment of the site and proposal against the local authorities and national validation list.
Planning applications should be thoroughly examined against all relevant local and national policies plus other relevant material considerations to ensure the scheme is compliant. This assessment is usually undertaken in a Planning Statement.
How can we help?
At G2, we've guided, prepared, submitted, and overseen numerous proposals in the Green Belt. We can evaluate your circumstances, advise on constraints and opportunities, assess its feasibility, and recommend the most effective approach to achieving planning consent.
How can we help?
At G2, we've guided, prepared, submitted, and overseen numerous proposals in the Green Belt. We can evaluate your circumstances, advise on constraints and opportunities, assess its feasibility, and recommend the most effective approach to achieving planning consent.