What is the Metropolitan Green Belt?

The Metropolitan Green Belt is a statutory green belt designated around London, England. It is a planning designation intended to control urban sprawl and preserve open land.

Which counties and districts comprise the Metropolitan Green Belt?

The Metropolitan Green Belt includes parts of Greater London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey. It also covers portions of two districts in Bedfordshire and a small area in Copthorne, Sussex.

What was the approximate land area covered by the Metropolitan Green Belt as of 2017/18?

As of 2017/18, government statistics indicated that the Metropolitan Green Belt planning designation covered 513,860 hectares (1,269,800 acres) of land.

What was the earliest recorded attempt to create a green belt around London, and when did it occur?

The earliest recorded attempt was by Elizabeth I of England, who banned new building within a three-mile radius of the City of London for some years after 1580. This measure aimed to prevent the spread of plague but was not strictly enforced and was relatively short-lived.

What European urban planning concept influenced the idea of a green belt?

The concept was partly inspired by European buffer zones and broad boulevards, such as Vienna's Ringstraße, which were developed before 1900 and often incorporated numerous parks.

Which organizations were instrumental in the early proposals for a green belt around London?

The London Society (LS) put forward a significant proposal in its 1919 'Development Plan of Greater London'. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) also worked alongside the LS to advocate for a belt to prevent urban sprawl.

How did the interwar housing boom and increased private transport affect the development of a green belt?

The significant housing boom between 1921 and 1939 led to dense development across much of what is now Greater London, making contiguous green belt status difficult to achieve. The rise in private motor transport also contributed to concerns about traffic congestion and pollution, highlighting the need for planned urban restraint.

What French urban planning concept influenced British policy regarding London's expansion?

The British policy was influenced by the study of Paris's *couronne périurbaine* (around-town crown) and the movement to expand satellite towns. This approach aimed to reduce regional disparities, as advocated by Jean-François Gravier in France.

What key legislation and government actions in the post-World War II era supported the establishment of green belts?

The Labour government's Attlee ministry enacted the New Towns Act 1946 and issued circulars and planning policies to local government councils. These measures accelerated the designation of the Metropolitan Green Belt and encouraged the development of new towns outside the immediate London area.

Who first formally proposed the Metropolitan Green Belt, and what was its initial stated purpose?

The Metropolitan Green Belt was first formally proposed by the Greater London Regional Planning Committee in 1935. Its initial purpose was 'to provide a reserve supply of public open spaces and of recreational areas and to establish a green belt or girdle of open space'.

What role did Patrick Abercrombie play in the planning of London's green belt?

Patrick Abercrombie prepared the Greater London Plan in 1944, which sought a belt of up to six miles (9.7 km) wide around London, further solidifying the policy decisions for the green belt.

What was the significance of the Green Belt Act 1938?

The Green Belt Act 1938 provided legislative groundwork that allowed for the eventual definition and implementation of green belt areas, although it took 14 years for local authorities to precisely map the area around London.

How did Duncan Sandys' Circular 42/55 influence green belt policy nationwide?

Circular 42/55, issued in 1955, urged local planning authorities to establish Green Belts where desirable to check urban growth, prevent towns from merging, or preserve a town's special character. This led to the codification of Green Belt policy and its extension beyond London.

What was the relationship between the New Towns Act 1946 and the Green Belt policy?

The New Towns Act 1946 was enacted alongside Green Belt policies. It facilitated the creation of new towns outside the belt to house residents, while the Green Belt aimed to restrain the outward expansion of London itself.

Which new towns were created outside the Green Belt under the New Towns Act 1946?

New towns created outside the belt included Basildon, Bracknell, Harlow, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, and Stevenage.

What was the impact of the Green Belt designation on the size of Greater London when it was redrawn?

When London was redrawn from the County of London (1889) to Greater London in 1965, its area was made five times larger. This expansion was partly facilitated by the selective designation of land as Green Belt elsewhere, offsetting the need for extensive urban development within the new boundaries.

What philosophical or cultural arguments influenced support for the Green Belt policy among some residents?

Support often invoked arguments from figures like John Ruskin and John Betjeman, which attributed social ills to urban influences and favored scenic or rustic environments. This perspective led some residents, particularly those living further from the city center, to campaign for urban restraint to protect their properties and lifestyles.

When was the Metropolitan Green Belt officially extended northwards, and what area did this encompass?

In mid-1971, the government decided to extend the Metropolitan Green Belt northwards to include almost all of Hertfordshire, mindful of the new towns established in that county and neighboring Bedfordshire.

How far out did the Metropolitan Green Belt extend after 1955, and what was its approximate size relative to London?

After 1955, London's green belt was extended in places up to 35 miles out. It covers an area approximately three times the size of London itself.

What natural areas were incorporated into the Green Belt during its extensions?

Extensions included large parts of the Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, and areas known as the Wealds, such as Epping Forest. These extensions often pre-dated other protections like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

What types of land uses are generally permitted within designated Green Belt areas?

While primarily intended to remain undeveloped, Green Belt land can be designated for agriculture, open-air leisure uses (including golf courses), and freshwater reservoirs (often used for sailing). Redesignation can also occur for transport or civil engineering infrastructure, housing, and non-agricultural industry or retail.

Under what conditions can Local Authorities release Green Belt land for development?

Local Authorities have the option to release limited Green Belt land in their Local Plans, but only under legally necessary 'exceptional circumstances' as envisioned by the 1955 Act.

What protection was given to Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) within Greater London, and from when?

Areas of Metropolitan Open Land within Greater London were given similar protection to Green Belt land starting in 1976, although they did not formally constitute part of the Green Belt itself.

What was the subject of the London Society's 2014 report concerning the Green Belt?

The London Society's 2014 report was titled 'Green Sprawl' and heightened the debate surrounding the city's green belt, questioning its effectiveness or implications.

What was the Adam Smith Institute's main argument regarding development potential within the Metropolitan Green Belt?

The Adam Smith Institute argued, based on economic liberalism principles, that the Metropolitan Green Belt contained significant land suitable for development. They claimed approximately 20,000 hectares (77 sq mi) near train stations could accommodate a million homes and criticized 10,000 hectares (39 sq mi) used for golf courses.

What did the Royal Town Planning Institute's 'Building In The Green Belt?' report find regarding commuting patterns?

The report tested claims about development potential and found that only 7.4% of commuters living near a railway station actually traveled to London by train. The vast majority (72%) used private vehicles for local jobs or destinations outside London, suggesting development might not significantly increase long-distance commuting.

How did the Royal Town Planning Institute's findings challenge the Adam Smith Institute's proposals?

The RTPI's findings suggested that building on the proposed Green Belt land could lead to a substantial increase in car journeys (3.96 to 7.45 million per week) on already congested roads around London, potentially worsening traffic issues rather than solving them.

What is the CPRE's stance on the relationship between green belts and house prices?

The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) argues that it is a myth to connect green belts directly to rising house prices. They state there is no clear price difference between cities with and without green belts, and that prices are inflated by other factors, such as investment.

What did a 2016 Ipsos Mori survey reveal about Londoners' opinions on skyscrapers?

The survey found that many Londoners, especially those in affected areas, believed the trend towards building very tall skyscrapers had gone too far. Six out of ten respondents supported limits on skyscraper height, and the same proportion backed restrictions on buildings over 50 floors.

What was the change in the area of the Metropolitan Green Belt between 2009 and 2014?

Between 2009 and 2014, there was a reduction of 435 hectares (1,070 acres; 1.68 sq mi) in the area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt.

Which Inner London Borough lost its Green Belt designation by 2014?

By 2014, the Borough of Greenwich, which was the only Inner London Borough with a Green Belt designation, had lost its few acres of this status.

Which county, having only three local government units, has Green Belt designation across all its districts?

Bedfordshire is the county with only three local government units, all of which have Green Belt designation.

According to the 2014 data, which county has the highest number of districts with Green Belt designation?

Greater London, comprising 32 boroughs, has the highest number of districts (18) with Green Belt designation according to the 2014 data.

In the 2014 data, which district within the county of Essex has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?

Epping Forest district in Essex has the highest percentage, with 93% of its area designated as Green Belt.

Which district in Hertfordshire has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?

St Albans district in Hertfordshire has the highest percentage, with 82% of its area designated as Green Belt.

Which district in Surrey has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?

Tandridge district in Surrey has the highest percentage, with 94% of its area designated as Green Belt.

Which district in Kent has the highest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?

Sevenoaks district in Kent has the highest percentage, with 93% of its area designated as Green Belt.

What is the total area designated as Metropolitan Green Belt according to the 2014 data presented in the table?

According to the 2014 data presented in the table, the Metropolitan Green Belt totals 514,060 hectares.

What percentage of the Windsor and Maidenhead district's area is designated as Green Belt?

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has 83% of its area designated as Green Belt.

What percentage of the Chiltern district's area is designated as Green Belt?

The Chiltern district in Buckinghamshire has 89% of its area designated as Green Belt.

Which London Borough has the lowest percentage of its area designated as Green Belt?

The London Boroughs of Haringey and Newham have the lowest percentage, with only 2% of their respective areas designated as Green Belt.

What is the Green Belt designation in Mid Sussex, West Sussex, according to the 2014 data?

In Mid Sussex, West Sussex, only 20 hectares, representing 0.06% of the district's area, is designated as Green Belt.

What was the primary goal behind the initial concept of the Metropolitan Green Belt?

The primary goal was to prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl from London and to ensure the availability of open spaces for recreation and to maintain a girdle of open land around the city.

How has the Metropolitan Green Belt's purpose evolved or been debated over time?

While initially focused on preventing sprawl, debates now involve balancing its preservation goals with the need for housing development, considering its impact on land prices, and its role in environmental and landscape quality.

What does the term 'statutory green belt' imply about the Metropolitan Green Belt?

The term 'statutory green belt' means it is a legally recognized and protected area established through planning legislation, indicating its official status and the regulations governing its use and development.

What types of land uses are generally compatible with Green Belt policy?

Compatible uses typically include agriculture, forestry, recreation (like golf courses and parks), and essential infrastructure, provided they do not conflict with the primary aim of preventing urban sprawl and maintaining openness.

What is the significance of 'Metropolitan Open Land' in relation to the Green Belt?

Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) provides similar protections for open spaces within Greater London but is distinct from the Green Belt. It was given comparable protection from 1976 onwards.

Metropolitan Green Belt Wiki: The Metropolitan Green Belt: An Examination of Urban Containment and Landscape Preservation

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Historical Context

Early Precedents

The concept of a protective buffer around urban centers has historical roots. Queen Elizabeth I, in 1580, enacted a temporary ban on new construction within a three-mile radius of the City of London, primarily to curb the spread of plague. However, this measure was not consistently enforced and could be circumvented through dispensations.^[4]

Continental Inspiration

The idea was also influenced by European urban planning, such as the extensive ramparts and parks forming the ''Ringstraße'' in Vienna, which served as buffer zones. These precedents demonstrated the potential for designated open spaces to shape urban development and provide public amenities.

Modern Proposals

Significant proposals for a modern green belt emerged from the early 20th century. The London Society, in its 1919 ''Development Plan of Greater London'', advocated for a belt to prevent urban sprawl. Alongside the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), they lobbied for a defined zone beyond which development would be restricted.

Post-War Planning

The interwar housing boom and the rise of private motor transport intensified concerns about London's congestion and pollution. Influenced by French models like the ''couronne périurbaine'' around Paris and the concept of satellite towns, British policy, particularly under the Attlee ministry, enacted the New Towns Act 1946 and issued circulars encouraging local authorities to designate the Metropolitan Green Belt.

Formalization and Expansion

Herbert Morrison's leadership at the London County Council in 1934 laid policy groundwork. The Greater London Regional Planning Committee formally proposed the belt in 1935. Patrick Abercrombie's 1944 Greater London Plan envisioned a wider belt. The Green Belt Act 1938 and subsequent planning acts, notably the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, enabled local authorities to formally map and implement these designations. Minister Duncan Sandys' Circular 42/55 in 1955 further encouraged nationwide green belt designations, emphasizing their role in preventing urban merging and preserving town character.^[7]

Extension and Reduction

Geographical Scope

Following the initial designations, London's green belt was significantly extended after 1955, reaching up to 35 miles from the city center. It now encompasses substantial portions of surrounding counties, including parts of Greater London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Bedfordshire, and a small area in Sussex. The belt's total area is approximately three times the size of London itself.^[3]

Integration with Protected Areas

Extensions often incorporated existing protected landscapes, such as the Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, and areas like Epping Forest. These designations frequently predate or overlap with other protective measures, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), reinforcing the conservation objectives.

Policy Adjustments

While the policy aims to preserve open land, provisions exist for limited release under "exceptional circumstances" as outlined in planning policies.^[9] Areas designated as Metropolitan Open Land within Greater London also receive similar protections, though they are not formally part of the Green Belt designation.^[14]

Debate and Controversy

Development Pressures

The Metropolitan Green Belt is a subject of ongoing debate, particularly concerning development pressures and housing needs. Reports, such as the London Society's "Green Sprawl," question the extent to which the belt is overprotected, suggesting potential land release for housing, especially near existing transport hubs.^[15]

Commuting Patterns

Research, including studies commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute, has analyzed commuting patterns within the green belt. These studies often challenge claims that extensive development would primarily serve London commuters, indicating that many residents utilize private vehicles for local employment, potentially exacerbating road congestion if development occurs without adequate infrastructure planning.^[26]

Economic and Housing Factors

Think tanks like the Adam Smith Institute have argued for building on designated green belt land to address the housing crisis, highlighting the availability of land near train stations.^[24] Conversely, organizations like CPRE argue that green belts do not inherently inflate house prices, attributing price increases to broader market factors and investment.

Urban Form and Density

Public opinion surveys have also indicated concerns about the proliferation of high-rise developments in London, with significant support for limits on building heights. This suggests a public desire to balance urban growth with the preservation of existing urban character and open spaces.^[27]

Designated Area

Geographical Distribution

The Metropolitan Green Belt is a statutory designation covering significant areas across multiple ceremonial counties surrounding London. As of 2017/18, government statistics indicate the designation covered approximately 513,860 hectares (1,269,800 acres).^[3]

Local Authority Coverage

The belt extends across numerous local authority districts. For instance, every borough in Surrey and Hertfordshire, most districts in Bedfordshire, and significant portions of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kent, and London boroughs are included. The specific distribution and percentage of green belt land within each district vary considerably.

Metropolitan Green Belt Area by District

Statistical Breakdown

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the Metropolitan Green Belt area by district, as recorded in 2014. It illustrates the distribution of designated land across various regions and local authorities, including the total area of each district and the percentage designated as Green Belt.^[28]

Metropolitan Green Belt area by district, 2014
Region	Ceremonial county	District		Green Belt
Region	Ceremonial county	Name	Area (ha)	Area (ha)	%
East	Bedfordshire	Central Bedfordshire	71,600	28,220	39
East	Bedfordshire	Luton	4,300	140	3
East	Essex	Basildon	11,002	6,950	63
		Brentwood	15,312	13,700	90
		Castle Point	4,508	2,750	61
		Chelmsford	34,224	12,850	38
		Epping Forest	33,899	31,680	93
		Harlow	3,054	640	21
		Rochford	16,949	12,570	74
		Southend-on-Sea	4,176	610	15
		Thurrock	16,338	11,920	73
		Uttlesford	64,118	3,810	6
East	Hertfordshire	Hertsmere	10,116	8,040	80
		Broxbourne	5,143	3,310	65
		Dacorum	21,200	10,690	50
		East Hertfordshire	47,569	17,530	37
		North Hertfordshire	37,540	14,250	38
		St Albans	16,118	13,140	82
		Stevenage	2,596	260	10
		Three Rivers	8,880	6,840	77
		Watford	2,150	410	19
		Welwyn Hatfield	12,955	10,250	79
London	Greater London	Barking and Dagenham	3,609	530	15
		Barnet	8,674	2,380	27
		Bexley	6,056	1,120	18
		Bromley	15,015	7,730	52
		Croydon	8,700	2,310	27
		Ealing	5,553	310	6
		Enfield	8,220	3,060	38
		Haringey	2,959	60	2
		Harrow	5,047	1,090	22
		Havering	11,227	6,010	54
		Hillingdon	11,570	4,970	43
		Hounslow	5,598	1,230	22
		Kingston upon Thames	3,725	640	17
		Newham	3,622	80	2
		Redbridge	5,641	2,070	37
		Richmond upon Thames	5,741	140	2
		Sutton	4,385	620	14
		Waltham Forest	3,882	840	22
South East	Berkshire	Bracknell Forest	10,938	3,840	35
		Slough	5,400	860	16
		Windsor and Maidenhead	19,843	16,480	83
		Wokingham	17,898	2,900	16
	Buckinghamshire	Aylesbury Vale	9,027	4,800	53
		Chiltern	19,635	17,380	89
		South Bucks	12,350	14,128	87
		Wycombe	32,457	15,630	48
	Kent	Dartford	7,277	4,110	56
		Gravesham	9,902	7,670	77
		Maidstone	39,330	530	1
		Medway	19,203	1,340	7
		Sevenoaks	37,034	34,400	93
		Tonbridge and Malling	24,013	17,060	71
		Tunbridge Wells	33,130	7,130	22
	South East	Surrey	Elmbridge	9,630	5,620	58
			Epsom and Ewell	3,407	1,560	46
			Guildford	27,100	24,040	89
			Reigate and Banstead	12,910	8,890	69
			Runnymede	7,800	6,140	79
			Spelthorne	5,116	3,320	65
			Surrey Heath	9,510	4,190	44
			Tandridge	24,820	23,300	94
			Waverley	34,520	21,080	61
			Woking	6,360	4,030	63
	South East	West Sussex	Mid Sussex	33,402	20	0.06
Metropolitan Green Belt total				514,060

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References

"Mid Sussex Local Plan, May 2004"

Annex to Circular 42/55 â the Statement to the House of Commons by Rt. Hon. Duncan Sandys, Minister for Planning on 26 April 1955

See the size of the County of London, 74,903 acres (303.12 square km); compare Greater London

R (Hunston Properties Ltd) v SSCLG and St Albans City and District Council [2013] EWCA Civ 1610 (12 December 2013):

Gallagher Homes v Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council [2014] EWHC 1283. (Admin) (30 April 2014)

Manns, J., "Green Sprawl: Our Current affection for a Preservation Myth?", London Society, London, 2014

A full list of references for this article are available at the Metropolitan Green Belt Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, specifically the Wikipedia article on the Metropolitan Green Belt, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available.

This is not professional planning advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified urban planners, environmental consultants, or legal professionals. Decisions regarding land use, development, or conservation should always be based on official documentation, expert advice, and current regulations.

The creators of this content are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert opinions for critical decision-making.

The Metropolitan Green Belt

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context 📜

👑 Early Precedents

🌍 Continental Inspiration

💡 Modern Proposals

🚗 Post-War Planning

🏛️ Formalization and Expansion

Extension and Reduction ↔️

📏 Geographical Scope

🏞️ Integration with Protected Areas

⚖️ Policy Adjustments

Debate and Controversy 🗣️

🏗️ Development Pressures

🚗 Commuting Patterns

📈 Economic and Housing Factors

🏙️ Urban Form and Density

Designated Area 🗺️

📍 Geographical Distribution

📊 Local Authority Coverage

Metropolitan Green Belt Area by District 📊

📈 Statistical Breakdown

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Early Precedents

Continental Inspiration

Modern Proposals

Post-War Planning

Formalization and Expansion

Extension and Reduction

Geographical Scope

Integration with Protected Areas

Policy Adjustments

Debate and Controversy

Development Pressures

Commuting Patterns

Economic and Housing Factors

Urban Form and Density

Designated Area

Geographical Distribution

Local Authority Coverage

Metropolitan Green Belt Area by District

Statistical Breakdown

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice