Four Conservative-led councils in London—Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, and Hillingdon—have refused to take part in a review of the city’s green belt led by Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office. The review aims to assess green spaces in 18 suburban boroughs to identify areas that could be reclassified as “grey belt,” potentially allowing for housing development. The green belt, which has been protected from most forms of development since before World War II, is a contentious issue, with the Labour government pushing for a more “strategic approach” to address the housing crisis.
The government has set a target of building 1.5 million homes during the current Parliament, a goal that would require house-building levels not seen since the 1970s. To achieve this, ministers are considering reclassifying parts of the green belt as “grey belt,” focusing on areas deemed “low quality” or less environmentally significant. However, this policy has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the green belt’s primary purpose is to prevent urban sprawl, not to serve as a visual amenity.
The review process began in December last year when the government announced funding for local authorities to conduct green belt reviews. Councils were given just one month—until January 17—to express interest in participating. Sadiq Khan confirmed on January 16 that City Hall would lead a London-wide review, but not all boroughs agreed to join. Bromley Council Leader Colin Smith cited the short notice and tight deadline as reasons for declining, adding that the borough was already conducting its own review. Similarly, Bexley Council declined due to the lack of detailed information about the review process and opted to apply for funding to conduct its own review instead. Croydon and Hillingdon did not respond to requests for comment.
Sadiq Khan’s office explained that the tight deadline was due to the government’s one-month window for expressions of interest. The Mayor emphasized that the review’s findings would inform the next London Plan, due in 2027, which will guide future development in the capital. The review is not intended to directly reclassify specific areas but to help shape policies around the grey belt and green belt.
Despite the refusal of the four Conservative councils, other boroughs—including some led by the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and independents—have agreed to participate. Harrow (Conservative-controlled), Havering (a coalition of independents and Labour), and Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames, and Sutton (all Liberal Democrat-led) are among those taking part.
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan reiterated the Mayor’s commitment to working with boroughs to address London’s housing needs while ensuring that any release of green belt land meets strict requirements for sustainable and liveable development. The Mayor’s office remains open to engaging with the four boroughs that declined to participate.
The debate over the green belt highlights the tension between addressing the housing crisis and preserving protected land. While some see the reclassification of low-quality green belt land as a necessary step to build more homes, others argue that it undermines the green belt’s role in preventing urban sprawl and maintaining open spaces.
What do you think? Should parts of the green belt be reclassified to allow for housing development, or should it remain fully protected? Share your thoughts!
