Grey Belt
Councils are approving and debating housing developments on Green Belt land, considering its reclassification as 'Grey Belt'.
Barking and Dagenham Council's Planning Committee approved 300 affordable homes on Green Belt land at Crowlands Golf Centre in October 2026, part of a larger 1,298-home scheme. This follows Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee debating proposals in March 2026 for up to 570 homes on Green Belt land in Hornchurch, where the classification of the site as 'Grey Belt' was a key discussion point.
The concept of 'Grey Belt' refers to land within the Green Belt that is previously developed or does not strongly contribute to its purposes, potentially allowing for development. Ealing Council's Planning Advisory Committee considered developing 'grey belt' areas in November 2025 to meet housing targets, following a report outlining the Greater London Authority's review of the Green Belt.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 affordable homes on Green Belt land at Crowlands Golf Centre in October 2026. Source
- The Crowlands Golf Centre development is part of a larger scheme for 1,298 homes across Barking and Dagenham and Havering. Source 1 Source 2
- Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee debated proposals for up to 570 homes on Green Belt land in Hornchurch in March 2026. Source
- A key discussion point for the Hornchurch site was whether it could be classified as 'Grey Belt'. Source
- Ealing Council considered developing 'grey belt' areas to meet housing targets in November 2025. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.