green belt
Councils are currently debating the impact of the draft London Plan on Green Belt protections and making specific planning decisions affecting Green Belt land.
Harrow Council unanimously opposed the draft London Plan in October 2026, citing concerns that it would weaken Green Belt protections and significantly increase housing targets, potentially leading to development on greenfield sites. Separately, Havering Council's Planning Committee approved a retrospective application for a front porch in Romford in October 2026, concluding it did not harm the Green Belt.
Discussions continue regarding the balance between housing needs and Green Belt preservation. Enfield Council's new Leader announced in May 2026 the withdrawal from the Newtown process and halted Tottenham Hotspur's development plans for Whitewebs Park, aiming to protect the Green Belt. Bromley Council refused a traveller site in Biggin Hill in May 2026, citing harm to the Green Belt.
The concept of 'Grey Belt' is being considered, with Ealing Council reviewing areas for potential development to meet housing targets, as reported in November 2025. This follows a government-funded Green Belt review supported by Haringey Council in July 2025. No upcoming meetings specifically listing Green Belt on their agenda have been supplied.
Key facts
- Havering Council's Planning Committee approved a retrospective application for a front porch in Romford on October 15, 2026. Source
- Harrow Council unanimously voted to oppose the draft London Plan on October 1, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Harrow Council stated the draft London Plan would increase its housing target by nearly 50% for the next decade. Source
- Enfield Council's new Leader announced the withdrawal from the Newtown process and halted Tottenham Hotspur's development plans for Whitewebs Park on May 27, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 refused a traveller site in Biggin Hill on May 21, 2026, citing harm to the Green Belt. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.