Update on the petition: “Prohibit and stop any building on our Green Belt Land that went to the government 

You recently signed the petition “Prohibit and stop any building on our Green Belt Land”:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/724330

The Government has responded to a public (paper) petition calling for the Government to schedule a debate on protecting the green belt, resist destructive plans and invest in sustainable housing solutions and protecting the natural environment for future generations. The petition was presented to the House of Commons by Tom Morrison MP on behalf of residents of the constituency of Cheadle.

Read the petition and the Government's response
The petition asks the House of Commons to urge the Government to schedule a debate on protecting the green belt and to resist destructive plans sacrificing green fields, woodlands and wildlife habitats to unsustainable and unnecessary development, in favour of investing in sustainable housing solutions and protecting the natural environment for future generations.

In response to the petition's request, the Government states that it upholds a brownfield-first approach, strengthened through the December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) revisions that broadened the definition of brownfield land and promoted higher-density urban development, though brownfield capacity alone cannot meet housing needs. A new green belt approach prioritises lower-quality grey belt land under strict “golden rules,” supported by updated guidance and funding for local green belt reviews, while maintaining existing environmental protections. Additional reforms, including the brownfield passport policy paper and the current NPPF consultation, aim to accelerate brownfield development, enable growth in sustainable locations, and enhance the natural environment through green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and protection of key natural features.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-planning-policy-framework-proposed-reforms-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system the consultation is open until 10 March 2026.

What are public (paper) petitions?
A public (paper) petition is a petition to the House of Commons presented by an MP.

Find out more about public (paper) petitions
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The Petitions Team
House of Commons