Written by Nikki O’Hagan, 25th June 2025
Planning Direct has secured Green Belt planning permission for a new home on previously developed land in the Worcestershire Green Belt. The same site was refused planning permission in 2016 and a subsequent appeal was dismissed.
At that time, national Green Belt policy took a strict approach to brownfield (previously developed) land, resisting development that caused even limited additional harm to openness. This meant sites that didn’t already contain large buildings were typically refused permission for large new structures like dwellings.
In the 2016 appeal, the Planning Inspector concluded that the proposed dwelling conflicted with Green Belt policy. Although the site qualified as previously developed land, the 3-bed bungalow was considered to be too bulky and permanent in character. The Inspector consequently found that there was a loss of openness, albeit limited. On that basis, the appeal was dismissed.
Green Belt policy shift unlocks the development potential of brownfield land
In recent years, however, national Green Belt policy has changed. The current policy only resists development on brownfield land in the Green Belt that would cause substantial harm to openness. This marks a significant shift from the earlier, more rigid approach. The new policy accepts that limited or even moderate harm to Green Belt openness can be permitted. The updated wording has unlocked the development potential of many brownfield sites, including sites without any permanent structures.
Recognising this new opportunity, the site owner contacted Planning Direct. As part of our free initial advice service, we reviewed the previous appeal and advised the client to reapply. We then prepared and submitted a fresh application, supported by a planning statement explaining the updated policy context.
The Local Planning Authority agreed with our reasoning and saw fit to grant full planning permission for the development in June 2025.
If you own land in the Green Belt – including land where planning permission for development was refused in the past – recent policy changes may now tip the balance in your favour.
Contact Planning Direct today for free expert advice on securing your Green Belt planning permission.