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Samlesbury Green Belt

GREEN BELT

Green Belts are a buffer between towns, and between town and countryside.

The Green Belt designation is a planning tool and the aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; however, there is not necessarily a right of access there. There are 14 Green Belts in England and 1 in Wales. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), most recently updated July 2021, contains specific reference to protecting Green Belt land in England.

(see Chapter 13, paras 137-151)

Samlesbury Green Belt

THREATS

Green Belts are coming under increasing threat to meet the need for the supply of land for housing.

PROTECTING GREEN BELT -
WHAT YOU CAN DO

It is important to get involved at an early stage when possible changes to Green Belt are proposed:

  1. Respond to any local plan review which proposes a change to Green Belt

  2. Get involved in your neighbourhood planning forum

  3. Check and respond to planning applications


Green Belts are designated for five purposes:

  1. Prevent urban sprawl

  2. Prevent the joining together of major towns and cities

  3. Protect the setting of historic towns

  4. Assist in protecting the countryside from encroachment

  5. Encourage urban regeneration

Green Belts help urban populations access the countryside by maintaining
attractive landscapes for outdoor recreation near where people live

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Click here to view a Fact Sheet with more information.

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