Conserving the benefits of the green belt and new build approval
The Labour government is proposing to greatly expand the house building programme and has suggested reclassifying some green belt land as “grey belt”. Reform UK Dorking & Horley strongly oppose this destructive direction.
The idea of the Greenbelt was largely shaped by planners and conservationists concerned about the rapid growth of cities and the potential loss of countryside. One of the earliest advocates was Sir Patrick Abercrombie, a prominent urban planner, who included the concept in his 1944 Greater London Plan. This plan called for a “green belt” of open land to encircle the city, preserving the countryside and preventing the merging of London with surrounding towns and villages. The Greenbelt was intended to:
- Prevent Urban Sprawl: It was designed to stop the outward expansion of London’s urban areas, which could lead to a loss of green spaces, agricultural land, and rural character.
- Preserve Open Space: Protect natural landscapes and provide areas for recreation, farming, and wildlife habitats.
- Ensure Sustainable Development: Concentrate urban growth within the existing boundaries of London, encouraging higher-density development and better use of space within the city itself.
Why It’s a Good Idea to Keep It Today
The London Greenbelt has continued to be a valuable asset for several reasons:
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Environmental Protection: It helps preserve biodiversity by maintaining natural ecosystems and providing wildlife corridors. The Greenbelt includes areas of woodlands, wetlands, and farmland that are vital for plant and animal species.
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Recreation and Well-being: The Greenbelt offers residents of London and surrounding areas accessible outdoor spaces for walking, cycling, and recreation. This is crucial for mental and physical well-being, especially in a densely populated city like London.
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Preventing Overcrowding: By limiting the expansion of the city, the Greenbelt helps to avoid the creation of urban sprawl and overcrowding. It ensures that the city’s growth is more carefully managed and concentrated within existing urban areas, which can be more easily supported by infrastructure like transport, healthcare, and education.
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Cultural and Agricultural Preservation: The Greenbelt protects the cultural heritage and traditional rural lifestyles. It safeguards farmland that supports local agriculture and food production, which is becoming more important for sustainability and reducing food miles.
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Climate Change Mitigation: The Greenbelt also acts as a carbon sink, helping to absorb CO2 emissions and providing a buffer against urban heat islands. Its role in maintaining green spaces can aid in climate change adaptation and resilience.
New Build Approval
The arguments have not changed and we will not alter our support for the Green Belt because politicians, against the will of the people, opened our borders and increased the population of the country by 10million in 20 years and going up faster and faster. No development on the Green Belt.
New build approval will therefore only be supported by Reform UK Dorking & Horley on very rare occasions