Development in the green belt

Produced in partnership with Stephen Morgan of Landmark Chambers

Practice notes

Development in the green belt

Produced in partnership with Stephen Morgan of Landmark Chambers

Practice notes

STOP PRESS: An updated version of the National Planning Policy Framework (nppf) was published on 12 December 2024. This content is being reviewed in accordance with the latest version.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out strong protections of the green belt. It notes that the government attaches great importance to green belts and clarifies that the fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land designated as green belt permanently open. There is therefore a strong presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt, with substantial weight to be given to any harm to the green belt in determining planning applications.

The original version of the NPPF was adopted in 2012 (the 2012 NPPF). It was archived and replaced with effect from 24 July 2018 when a significantly revised version of the NPPF was published (the 2018 NPPF). The government published further versions of the NPPF in February 2019 (the 2019 NPPF), July 2021 (the 2021 NPPF) , September 2023 (the September 2023 NPPF) and December 2023

Stephen Morgan

Landmark Chambers

Stephen has always specialised in planning and related fields of law, having graduated in both law and planning. One of his main areas of practice is village greens and commons and he regularly sits as a village green Inspector as well as advising and appearing in relation to these matters. His experience, both as adviser and advocate, also covers the range of planning and related topics, including major infrastructure projects and in particular waste and energy facilities; his work covers the regulatory aspects (under the various regimes and Directives) as well as the planning issues. His practice covers the whole range of developments including large new settlements, along with other residential, commercial and mixed use developments of all scales.

Stephen has regularly given presentations as part of the Landmark Chambers seminar series but also at other major events. These have covered planning policy, highways, village greens and commons and localism and neighbourhood planning.

In Legal 500 for 2023 it is stated that 'Stephen is a pleasure to work with, highly accessible, very thorough and provides clear and concise advice. Stephen's advocacy skills are excellent and, in particular, he strikes up a great rapport with planning inspectors.'

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

NPPF definition

What does NPPF mean?

National Planning policy Framework.

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