Women Against State Pension Inequality Ltd (WASPI) are seeking permission from the High Court to bring a Judicial Review on our response to the Ombudsman’s report. We do not comment on live litigation.

Under Section 37 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, local planning authorities are required to have a brownfield land register covering their area.

Under Regulation 17 of the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017, local planning authorities are required to update the information relating to existing entries in their registers at least once a year.

306 local planning authorities have published Brownfield Land Registers.

Of these, 148 have updated their registers since 1 January 2024.

The government keeps the role of brownfield land registers under review.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

The government has not changed the five purposes of the Green Belt set out in paragraph 143 of the NPPF, and we do not propose to alter its general extent.

In its response to the 30 July 2024 to 24 September 2024 consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system consultation, and having considered the feedback received, the government clarified that grey belt land is Green Belt land which does not strongly contribute to Green Belt Purposes (a), (b), and (d).

My Department published updated guidance on Green Belt policy on 27 February 2025 to assist local authorities and other decision-makers, including planning inspectors, in determining whether land is grey belt. It can be found on gov.uk here. It is for decision-makers to consider how best to apply the policy to particular local circumstances. As set out in Planning Practice Guidance, where grey belt is identified, it does not automatically follow that it should be allocated for development, or released from the Green Belt, or that development proposals will be approved in all circumstances.

My Department does not hold data on how many sites, including sites that are previously developed land, have been formally identified as grey belt land by local planning authorities since December 2024.

The revised NPPF published on 12 December 2024 includes ‘Golden Rules’ for major development involving the provision of housing on land that is situated within, or released from, the Green Belt. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing local development plans and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The updated planning practice guidance on the Green Belt published on 27 February 2025 sets out how local planning authorities should apply the new ‘Golden Rule’ on green space provision, including how they should consider accessibility, quality, and alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The government’s planning practice guidance on viability makes clear that where development is subject to the ‘Golden Rules’, site specific viability assessment should not be used for the purpose of reducing developer contributions. The guidance is available on gov.uk here.

It is for local planning authorities themselves to determine whether exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt. Before concluding that exceptional circumstances exist to justify changes to Green Belt boundaries, local planning authorities should be able to demonstrate that it has examined fully all other reasonable options for meeting its identified need for development – including making as much use as possible of suitable brownfield sites and underutilised land, optimising the density of development, and working with neighbouring authorities to assess whether identified need might be sensibly accommodated.

Local planning authorities can only adopt a plan that is found sound following examination. For a plan to be considered sound it should be positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy – the tests of soundness are set out in the NPPF.

Planning Inspectors are required to determine appeals in accordance with the development plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In coming to a decision, the Inspector will give careful consideration to the planning merits of the case, having regard to the local plan and other material considerations. The NPPF must be taken into account in preparing the development plan, and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

The government monitors and publishes data on planning permissions granted, quarterly data on starts and completions, and annual statistics showing the extent of England’s Green Belt, including changes resulting from land being released from, or added to, the Green Belt.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS1210) made on 18 December 2025.

The two consultations both closed on 12 March 2026. We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

The Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a strengthened enforcement response, including an additional £45 million for the Environment Agency (EA) over the next three years to expand on-the-ground enforcement activity. It also establishes a new Operational Waste Intelligence and Analysis Unit which will integrate satellite, drone, financial and criminal data to identify risks earlier and accelerate action. Further actions include introducing police‑style powers for EA officers, expanding the use of restriction notices to halt harmful activity quickly, and strengthening the use of permit suspensions and revocations where serious risks or breaches are identified.

The Environment Agency (EA) make decisions on how it responds to all environmental permit breaches using its Enforcement and Sanctions Policy. Permit breaches can be handled through a regulatory response or through formal enforcement action.

Please note, enforcement action will appear to be decreasing disproportionately but this reflects ongoing investigations which have not yet concluded the process for consideration of enforcement sanctions (i.e. governance process).