Green belt land in some areas up, say stats; significant losses in others

Latest Government land use statistics for 2007 indicate that there has been a net increase of 3,870 hectares of land in England designated as Green Belt compared with 2006 estimates.

Some of this additional area is a result of improved measurement or revisions to previous estimates. However, there have been significant increases in Wansbeck (950 ha), Blyth Valley (150 ha) and Bromley and Newcastle-under-Lyme (both 20 ha).

In the case of Brentwood and Cambridge a significant amount of Green Belt land was lost (60 and 30 ha respectively).

Currently, some 13 per cent of England overall comprises Green Belt land, the figures have indicated.

Meanwhile, in a related but separate exercise, Communities and Local Government has published updated figures on land use change in England which show that in 2006, on a provisional estimate, some 75 per cent of new dwellings were built on previously-developed land, including conversions. This compares with 77 per cent in 2005.

This new data also showed that the density of residential development had risen slightly to 41 dwellings per hectare compared to 40 in 2005 (25 per hectare 1996 – 2002).

Junior Housing Minister Iain Wright said: 'These statistics show it is possible to build the homes future generations need while protecting the environment and green spaces. Nationally, the amount of Green Belt land continues to grow, with an 80,000 acre increase since 1997.

'Our clear priority for development will remain brownfield land. Already, the overwhelming majority of homes are being built on previously developed land, with the brownfield target being substantially exceeded. We will continue to work closely with councils and housebuilders to maintain this rise, which has seen 75 per cent of new housing being built on brownfield land, up from 57 per cent in 1997.'