Following the BBC coverage of the Mayor of London’s announcement to “actively explore” building on parts of the green belt, Knight Frank planning expert Sarah Hiscutt comments in response:
Sarah Hiscutt, partner in planning at Knight Frank said:
“Sir Sadiq Khan’s commitment to ‘actively explore’ building on select Green Belt land represents a significant and necessary step forward in addressing London’s housing crisis. At Knight Frank, we have long advocated for a balanced approach to Green Belt policy. A review of poorly performing undeveloped Green Belt land would serve to identify even greater opportunities beyond previously developed sites.
“According to our recent Residential Development Land Index Q1 2025 research, greenfield land values have edged lower, with housebuilders citing persistent cost inflation and planning uncertainty. The reality facing London is stark – delivering less than half of its 88,000 annual housing target while rents soared by 11.5 per cent last year. Increased planning certainty through clear criteria for appropriate sites that are considered to be performing poorly would be beneficial, despite cost inflation remaining high.
“Strategic Green Belt release would enable greater scope for suburban expansion, supporting the provision of family housing where it’s most needed and where supporting infrastructure is viable and can be efficiently extended. What’s essential now is establishing criteria for identifying appropriate sites and ensuring developments deliver substantial affordable housing, strong transport links, and enhanced public access to truly valuable green spaces.”
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