Contrary to what Keir Starmer claimed on Greybelt first approach, the proposed changes to NPPF are going to fundamentally change Greenbelt. In fact, this approach would allow pretty much all Greenbelt to be built on. Unfortunately, there are only now 2 days left to the consultation, we must respond to the consultation to get our voices heard. 

Please email to PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk by 11.45pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024, and include your name, your position (if applicable), the name of organisation (if applicable).

The two most significant proposed changes are:
a) Changing the Standard Method calculation of housing need. This methodology penalises Epsom for already being densely populated, and for being a commuter town. It is based on a % growth from existing house numbers and the ratio of local property prices to local salaries.
Current building rates in Epsom & Ewell are c.180 dwellings / year. The current Draft Local Plan proposes 300 dwellings / year.
The new proposals are for a mandatory starting point of 817 dwellings / year.
That equates to a 45-50% increase in the borough's housing (currently c.33,000 to c.48,000) over the 18 year plan period.
 
b) Changing the basis for revising Green Belt boundaries
If a local authority cannot meet the 'identified need for housing', it 'should review Green Belt boundaries and propose alterations to meet these needs in full, unless the review provides clear evidence that such alterations would fundamentally undermine the function of the Green Belt across the area of the plan as a whole.’
The greybelt discussion is rendered pretty irrelevant by this proposal, as it appears to require that virgin Green Belt be sacrificed to meet the eye-watering target.

It will be much easier to respond via email, however, you can also respond the consultation online via https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system

Government plans to rush through and approve this unjustifiable and reckless policy by December 2024, and it will impact the whole nation. Please spare some time to respond the NPPF consultation today. Many thanks!