The Nation Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduced the concept of Grey Belt to the UK planning system in December 2024.

Newly defined categories allows for lower quality, underused, or previously developed land within traditionally protected Green Belt to be used for development, these are now referred to as ‘Grey Belt’.

What we are now seeing is that planning permission is being granted on Green Belt land that had previously been rejected at planning appeal level.  Local authorities have the power to reclassify Green Belt and this is leading the way for developers to gain access to our Green Belt Land.

An example of this is the development site at Shenley Hill, Radlett where the Planning Inspectorate approved previously rejected application for development of 195 houses as the inspector concluded that the site qualifies as “grey belt” land because it does not make a strong contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt. This application had previously been rejected at an inquiry in August 2023 stating that the benefits of the development proposal ‘do not clearly outweigh the overall significant harm to Green Belt and the substantial adverse landscape effects of the character and appearance of the area’.  By February 2026 the planning Inspectorate overturned the refusal and has now granted planning permission.

Shenley Hill, Radlett

This change in policy could have a devastating and lasting affect on our local area as North Mymms is being targeted by developers and local authorities to build more than 2000 homes.

North Mymms Green Belt Society held their AGM in March. Click here to view the presentation and learn more about changes affecting your local Green Belt.

Our committee chairman is standing down from his role after 10 years of dedicated voluntary service.

• We are actively seeking a suitable candidate to take on this important role.
• Please click here for a definition of the role, and it’s responsibilities, and time commitment required.
• Please contact us if you are interested in helping our society’s cause and mission by taking on this role.

Read our February 2026 newsletter here which announces our 2026 AGM on 23rd March, as well as inmportant local updates.

At our AGM 2025, a presentation was given on the Local Plan and developments planned for our Parish.

It was a very informative session and the information rich slides are available here.

Our response to the “Early Engagement” consultation on the new local plan (Nov 2024) can be viewed here.

The latest edition of the CPRE Hertfordshire supporters’ email newsletter can be viewed here.

Following on from our successful AGM on 18th March 2024, a notice of proceedings has now been published and can be read here.

The slides from the presentation given by Simon Marsh from the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust can be found here.

Please remember to re-subscribe (or join) as a member for 2024. We need, and thank you, for your support.