Guildford Council reassures Surrey’s Green Belt not at risk

Guildford Borough Council is reassuring residents that its new Green Belt assessment does not mean development has been approved or that building will automatically follow on any identified sites.

The review was completed in response to the Government’s updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024, which introduced the concept of “grey belt” and requires councils to reassess their Green Belt land.

The assessment, carried out with independent experts, found that some areas of the Borough may qualify as “grey belt” or “provisionally grey belt” under the national definition. However, the council stresses that this is only an evidence base for planning, not a planning decision in itself. Sites marked “provisionally grey belt” would need further evaluation if a specific development proposal is submitted, especially where extra protections apply, such as the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

The council has underlined that:

• Grey belt classification does not grant planning permission.
• Not every grey belt site will be suitable for development.
• Any future proposals must still meet strict tests on sustainability, infrastructure, environmental impact, and community effects.

The work was commissioned because the Government asked councils to complete these assessments and provided funding to support them. Guildford says the findings will now help shape the emerging Local Plan and inform future decisions, while also ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to national policy.

“This assessment does not mean development will automatically happen on any of these sites,” said Councillor Fiona White, lead councillor for planning.

The council also noted that further changes to the national grey belt definition are still being considered by the Government, and residents will be kept updated as Local Plan work continues.

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