Green Belt study – what it means for the district
We’ve published a technical study looking at Green Belt land across the district.
We know this is an important and often sensitive topic, so this page explains clearly what the study is, what it shows, and what it means for residents.
The study forms part of the evidence base for the Local Plan. It does not make decisions about development and no land has been allocated for building as part of this work.
Key things to know
- Not all green land is Green Belt
- This is a technical study, not a decision
- Most Green Belt land continues to play an important role
- “Grey belt” means consideration, not development
- No sites have been allocated for development
What is Green Belt land?
Green Belt is a national planning designation used to:
- prevent urban sprawl
- stop towns merging together
- protect the countryside
- preserve the setting of historic places
Green Belt is mainly located in the southern parts of the district, helping prevent the spread of development from larger nearby urban areas. Not all green fields or open spaces are Green Belt.
Why has this study been carried out?
All councils are required to review land as part of preparing Local Plans and planning for future housing and growth.
This study forms part of the evidence base for the Local Plan and has been prepared using a consistent approach across Staffordshire authorities.
It provides technical evidence only - it does not make decisions about development.
What does the study show?
The study assesses broad areas of land, known as “parcels”, against the nationally defined purposes of the Green Belt.
Across Lichfield District:
- 103 parcels were assessed
- 30 were found to make a strong contribution
- 58 a moderate contribution
- 15 a weaker contribution
This means most Green Belt land across the district continues to make an important contribution, although some areas perform differently depending on their location and characteristics.
The maps published alongside the study show how land performs across the district and identify areas considered as potential “grey belt”.
What is “grey belt”?
The term “grey belt” comes from national planning policy.
It refers to Green Belt land that is either previously developed or land that does not strongly contribute to at least three of the five Green Belt purposes.
Being identified as potential grey belt does not mean development will happen there.
Many other issues would still need to be considered before any future decisions could be made, including:
- flood risk
- environmental protections
- infrastructure capacity
- heritage and landscape impact
What happens next?
This study is just one part of the wider Local Plan process. Before any future decisions are made there would need to be further technical work, development of options and public consultation.
Residents will have the opportunity to have their say as plans develop.
The key message
This study is about understanding land, not deciding its future. Most Green Belt land across the district continues to play an important role and no development decisions have been made through this work.
Documents
View and download current evidence and view and download historical evidence.