Why plans to restrict homes in 'protected' zones offer no new green protections

摘要

One of the headline proposals in the government's recent white paper on planning reform is a plan to simplify the local development plan process by requiring councils to designate land into three categories. These are: 'growth areas' suitable for substantial development where outline approval for development would be automatically secured; 'renewal areas' suitable for some smaller-scale development, such as "gende densification"; and 'protected areas' where development is restricted. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: '"Protected areas' will be just that - development will be restricted to carry on protecting our treasured heritage like areas of outstanding natural beauty".