50 new homes and a community hub approved in the first Grey-Belt permission in Bromsgrove.
ET Planning acted on behalf of Your Land Partner Ltd in a pivotal appeal decision that has confirmed the importance of the Government’s new Grey Belt policy in delivering much-needed homes. The Planning Inspectorate has granted outline permission for 50 new dwellings and a flexible commercial/community building at Houndsfield Lane, Hollywood, following Bromsgrove District Council’s refusal.
The Inspector concluded that the site fell within the Grey Belt – which is Green Belt land that does not strongly contribute to the purposes of preventing urban sprawl, safeguarding separation between towns, or protecting historic settings. By recognising this land as suitable for carefully planned development, the appeal sets an important precedent for how grey belt policy can help boost housing delivery in the district.
ET Planning produced evidence during the appeal to support:
- Grey Belt status: The site was deemed not to strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes, meaning the proposals were not classed as inappropriate development.
- Housing delivery: With Bromsgrove unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the scheme’s 50 homes, including around 50% affordable housing, make a vital contribution.
- Sustainable location: Proximity to Hollywood’s schools, shops and public transport ensured the site met sustainability tests.
Although some landscape harm was acknowledged, the Inspector gave significant weight to the fact the site lay in the grey belt and complied with the “Golden Rules” for major development. This decision not only secures new homes, affordable options, and community facilities for Bromsgrove, but also reinforces the role of Grey Belt land as a key tool in tackling the housing crisis.
Check out our Grey Belt Toolkit for how we can assist you with obtaining planning permission in the Grey Belt.
