NUNCON - Green and Grey Belt Review - Stage 1

The aim and purpose of the proposed Green and Grey Belt Review - Stage 1 is to provide the Council with an objective, evidence-based and independent assessment of how the parts of the West Midlands Green Belt, that fall with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough's administrative boundary, contribute to the five purposes of Green Belt, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, and to identify any areas of Grey Belt land. The findings of the study will provide the Council with an understanding of which areas of land should retain their Green Belt designation, which areas should be classified as Grey Belt, and which areas have the potential for release without compromising the performance of the West Midlands Green Belt as a whole. The Review will form an important part of the evidence base, of the next Local Plan Review, and will be considered alongside other pieces of evidence when selecting the most sustainable locations for growth. The Review may also be used to assess the suitability of any new sites proposed in a future Call for Sites consultation or on receipt of future planning applications. However, until it is examined, as part of the next Local Plan Review examination, it will only carry some weight in the decision-making process. Furthermore, it is anticipated that there will be a need to undertake a more detailed, site-specific Green and Grey Belt Assessment, as the next Local Plan Review progresses. This will form the Green and Grey Belt Review - Stage 2. The Stage 2 Review will need to consider the cumulative impact on the wider West Midlands Green Belt if all reasonable, identified site options were released from the Green Belt, for example. As it is currently unclear if a Stage 2 Review will be required, no further scope can be outlined currently.