Bexley Council is considering reviewing its green belt land for potential housing development, a move that could significantly alter the borough's landscape. The discussion took place during the Places Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, where councillors examined the implications of recent government planning reforms and their impact on Bexley's housing needs.
The review comes in response to amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which introduced the concept of grey belt
land – areas within the green belt that are previously developed or do not strongly contribute to green belt purposes. The council secured a £70,000 grant from the government in February 2025 to progress its green belt review.
The committee also discussed the London Plan review, noting the Greater London Authority's (GLA) aim to release green belt land to meet London's housing needs, as brownfield land alone is deemed insufficient. The GLA needs to apportion 88,000 homes a year across London boroughs, a task described as extraordinarily challenging.
In addition to the green belt review, the committee received an update on the Erith placemaking programme, a long-term regeneration effort funded by various sources, including the GLA Good Growth Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Projects like the Riverside Gardens transformation, expected to be completed in July 2025, and the Pier Road public realm enhancement are nearing key delivery stages. A formal joint launch event for Riverside Gardens and the '68' community facility is planned for June 30.
The meeting also covered environmental enforcement contract performance and a response to recommendations on how clean the borough is.