Green Belt Release
Barnet Council is challenging housing targets in the Draft London Plan, citing concerns about reliance on Green Belt release.
Barnet Council's Cabinet approved its response to the Draft London Plan in October 2026, challenging proposed housing targets. The council's response raises concerns about the reliance on Green Belt release and infrastructure capacity to meet the target. It argues that Barnet's proposed housing target of 32,849 homes, the highest in London, relies heavily on Green Belt release which is not sufficiently evidenced for deliverability.
Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, stated that the proposed housing target represents an increase of approximately 39% compared to the current London Plan target. Green Belt release refers to the process of allowing development on land designated as Green Belt, which is protected from development to prevent urban sprawl.
Key facts
- Barnet Council's Cabinet approved its response to the Draft London Plan on 12 October 2026. Source
- The council's response challenges proposed housing targets and raises concerns about reliance on Green Belt release. Source
- Barnet's proposed housing target in the Draft London Plan is 32,849 homes. Source
- This target represents an increase of approximately 39% compared to the current London Plan target. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.