Over the last few months, a couple of appeal decisions have once again reignited the debate around greenbelt development and what better way to kick off the new series of our podcast, with a hot topic and well qualified expert views from a leading legal, political developer, and planner, all diving into what at the time felt like a significant decision in St Albans earlier this year.
Despite all now feeling this resolution to permit, greenbelt release remains the exception as opposed to the rule, it has unquestionably once again heightened the debate. Frustrations remain strong around greenbelt’s original intentions as a policy instrument, versus the perception it now has in the general public’s minds, and therefore those of the politicians, as sacrosanct open space/rural sites of merit, and our guests point to the quick yet lazy opportunity it represents for political manifestos, resulting in it endlessly being used by short-sighted politicians hunting a vote.
How can we change the conversation? Make even the smallest of changes? Featuring Zack Simons, Landmark Chambers, Paul Campbell, Richborough Estates and Land Promoters & Developers Federation, Tom Martin, Quatro, Mark Sitch, Barton Willmore, Robin Shepherd, Barton Willmore (Chair).