Grey Belt
Approval preview · policy, appeals and council assessments checked 21 October 2026
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For landowners

Could your land be grey belt?

Answer ten quick questions for an indicative view, then ask for a professional assessment of your site against the August 2026 rules and recent appeal decisions.

Start the checker →Request an assessment
1. Is the land in the Green Belt?

Check your council's policies map, or the Local Plan.

2. Is it previously developed land?

A lawful permanent building or structure, such as a yard, commercial building or hardstanding. Farm buildings don't count.

3. What is it next to?

Villages are not 'large built-up areas' or 'towns' for grey belt purposes.

4. Is it enclosed by development or strong features?

Existing buildings, a main road, a railway or similar on two or more sides.

5. Is it in a gap between two towns?

Towns, not villages.

6. Is it part of the setting of a historic town?

For example views of a historic core or cathedral city.

7. Can people walk safely to shops, schools or a regular bus?

Footways, street lighting and frequent buses matter at appeal.

8. Is it within about 800 m of a station with 4+ trains an hour?

Railway, tram, underground or light rail, in a major Travel to Work Area.

9. Does the council have a five-year housing land supply?

Search '[council] five-year housing land supply'.

10. How many homes could it take?

Ten or more homes, or 0.5 ha or more, is major development.

Request an assessment

Get your land assessed.

We will review your site against Annex E, the GB7 and GB8 tests, your council's Green Belt assessment, its housing land supply and recent appeals, then tell you whether it is likely to be grey belt and the best route forward.

Prototype: this form does not send anything yet.
Thank you. In the live site your request will be emailed to the assessment team, with a confirmation sent to you.