Brentwood Borough Council has successfully secured £70,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to conduct a review of its greenbelt. This significant funding will enable the council to assess its greenbelt areas in line with the latest government guidelines, ensuring the ongoing protection of valuable open spaces while identifying sections that may meet the newly defined criteria for the Grey Belt.
The Green Belt review, which will play an essential role in the Council’s Local Plan, will help inform decisions about land use and development. The funding will allow Brentwood Borough Council to commission expert consultants, potentially in collaboration with neighbouring authorities, to carry out a detailed evaluation of the greenbelt land. This assessment will help to determine which areas are most valuable for conservation and which may be more suited for development under the government's new Grey Belt classification.
Councillor Gareth Barrett, Chair of the Assets, Projects and Strategy Committee at Brentwood Borough Council, said: "This funding represents an important step in ensuring that our Local Plan is based on clear and well-researched evidence. Protecting our most valuable Green Belt areas remains a priority, and this review will provide the necessary insights to guide sustainable development in the right locations.
“By working with expert consultants and, where possible, with our neighbouring authorities, we can ensure a balanced approach that respects both the need for conservation and the new homes and businesses our community needs." Brentwood is among several South Essex authorities that have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Green Belt review funding, following the announcement by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government on 28 February 2025.