Four in five major residential planning appeals on grey belt land have been approved since the Government’s policy came into force in December 2024, according to a new analysis.
The study, carried out by planning, design and development consultancy Marrons and supported by the Land, Planning and Development Federation (LPDF), reviewed all planning appeals referencing ‘grey belt’ between 12 December 2024 and 31 August 2025.
It revealed that 80% (16 out of 20) of major residential appeals – defined as schemes of 10 or more homes – were approved by the Planning Inspectorate. Across all residential grey belt appeals, 55% (34 out of 63) were allowed, leading to around 1,600 homes being permitted in less than nine months.
In total, 57% (73 out of 129) of all grey belt appeals, including non-residential schemes, have been approved in 2025, exceeding the proportion dismissed.
To read more on the Government's grey belt policy, check out: The Grey Belt: Is it the panacea that is needed?
