If you’ve spent any time exploring Architectural Consultants Specialising In The Green Belt in the last few weeks, you have presumably realised how bewildering the concept can be.

When reviewing extension plans for properties in the green belt, the local council will take account of the degree to which the building has already been extended, and the effect of any further extension. You will need to consider several factors, such as the design, form and size of your extension. Development in the green belt should respect local patterns of scale, proportion and density and avoid the introduction of suburban-style developments into the rural environment. The issue of Green Belt development is currently very topical and none more so than in and around London. A recent report ‘The Green Belt – A Place for Londoners?' issued by London First, Quod and SERC concluded that whilst much of London's Green Belt continues to play an important role it is not a “sacred cow”. It is often a common misinterpretation for countryside locations to be described as Green Belt, however this designation is only present in key strategic locations. It always best check if you unsure whether this affects your site. Local councils have a duty to conserve biodiversity - including a population or habitat - and must consider how wildlife or land may be affected in when making planning decisions about development and land use. In terms of housebuilding, Green Belt policy is generally favourable to extending or altering an existing building, as long as it is proportionate in size, volume and design. Similarly, replacing an poor-quality existing building by one that is not materially larger and is of a higher design quality is also perfectly possible.



Sometimes, based on what is now understood about accessibility, trip lengths, and the use of appropriate travel modes for instance, the most sustainable locations for development may well be in Green Belts. Green architecture can be wonderful examples of the possibility of humans living harmoniously within the environment. The opportunities exist to design beautiful, energy efficient and environmentally friendly residences and workplaces that demonstrate our human ability to adapt to and peacefully live within the ecology of the natural world. Many highly experienced green belt architects work across all sectors. Some have a passion for conservation architecture and sustainable, quality design whereas some are specialists in private residential work. Architecture connects to economics and the sciences, and the people that practice it can both be detail-oriented technicians (solving equations that push buildings higher into the sky, or conserving every possible electron of electricity pumped into its walls), and poets of space and form. Taking account of Green Belt Planning Loopholes helps immensely when developing a green belt project’s unique design.

Green Infrastructure Approach

A wealth of provisions exist to protect land. Nationally this protection can be found under areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as well as National Parks. Extensions to green belt propertiesallowed by permitted development can also subsequently be traded in for brand new replacement development of the same volume on the same site so it is worth talking to us to establish the exact route by which a larger property might be achieved in this way. The limited extension of existing dwellings should not harm the open appearance of the Green Belt, especially if the extension is in keeping with the original dwelling. In assessing such proposals, the Local Planning Authority will be concerned to avoid any disproportionate extensions to the original dwelling. While there is general agreement that an acute housing shortage exists, particularly in London and the South East, there is disagreement over whether compact city models that focus on ‘brownfield’ land can provide sufficient developable land. You can engage green belt architects for your project with confidence, knowing that getting planning permission granted for your project is absolutely as important to them as it is for you. They provide inspirational architectural design and take your project from the initial idea to confirmation of permitted development or planning permission. Research around Net Zero Architect remains patchy at times.

A green belt architects' diligent approach to every detail means that you can focus on what you do best, knowing that all aspects of your planning process are receiving spotlight treatment. Rural areas support a dynamic and diverse economy that employs over 5 million people and makes a significant contribution to the national economy. Agriculture lies at the heart of this economy and it supports many spin-off enterprises - from recreation to retail outlets. Sites within the Green Belt have significant, but not insurmountable, restrictions and you are always advised to seek professional advice when considering any development within the Green Belt. Applicants who wish to develop in the Green Belt must identify factors that are specific to their development proposal when seeking to argue that very special circumstances apply in their case. Architects that specialise in the green belt begin with research. The first step is to carry out an inspection of the site to determine the natural conditions and constraints that should be taken into account. This is also the time to check on local authority regulations and requirements or meet with relevant persons to discuss your particular project. Maximising potential for Green Belt Land isn't the same as meeting client requirements and expectations.

Planning Permission On The Green Belt

Society at large – and not least the construction sector – is tasked with the feat of achieving yet even more with the earth's ever fewer resources. We need to rethink; to look towards value-creating spaces and develop what we have. Sustainable architecture is the priority of architects with experience of working on green belt properties, with sustainable design being an integral part of everything they do, whether it's a new build or conversion. Architects specialising in the green belt understand the complexities of planning law and offer anything from simple planning advice and feasibility studies through to planning applications, public consultations, promotion of land for redevelopment and land realisation. How can we protect best practice developments when land value is high, and the rewards of greenbelt builds would be high? How can we prioritise different sector needs to divide the greenbelt equitably? What are the environmental implications of building on the greenbelt? When determining planning applications, substantial weight should be given to any harm to the Green Belt and ‘inappropriate development’ should be approved only in ‘very special circumstances’. Not all development, however, is inappropriate. The NPPF sets out that specific types of development, such as small residential extensions and the replacement of buildings, are not inappropriate provided they meet a number of conditions. Can New Forest National Park Planning solve the problems that are inherent in this situation?

To determine the minimum number of homes needed in a green belt area, strategic policies should beinformed by a local housing need assessment, conducted using the standardmethod in national planning guidance – unless exceptional circumstances justify analternative approach which also reflects current and future demographic trends andmarket signals. Most councils do not remove your permitted development rights if you are situated in a green belt. However, individual areas can be protected further, by means of special land designations such as conservation areas and article 4 directions. Building on just 25% of the Green Belt land inside the M25 would be a substantial gain in the current housing crisis. And while commuting into London means travelling through suburban landscapes, you can’t help feeling that it’s a price worth paying to have one million homes on the market. A Council will consider the appropriateness or otherwise of the removal of permitted development rights on a case by case basis. The purpose of the removal of permitted development rights for extensions and outbuildings and other structures from replacement dwellings in the Green Belt is to prevent future cumulative additions that may adversely impact upon the openness of the Green Belt. Green belts were designed to attempt to recognise each region's specificities and needs and forced development to be more considered. There's a huge amount to be said about Green Belt policy – but green belt architects want to make it accessible and relevant to their clients. A well-thought-out strategy appertaining to Architect London can offer leaps and bounds in improvements.

A Greener Future

Designated city limits or Green Belts may be a well-tried policy, but their application needs to be specific to the city concerned and its geographical, political and environmental context. Local authorities must put a complete stop to proposals for release of Green Belt land for development in their Local Plans; instead, they should be more proactive in seeking out brownfield urban sites for new development. Land already identified on councils’ Brownfield Registers should be the start point but it is clear that there are numerous previously-developed urban sites that could be built on. While architects absolutely agree that Green Belts are important and should be preserved to protect our countryside and urban areas, there are many acceptable circumstances when extensions, alterations and even the replacement of properties on them are permitted. You can discover supplementary particulars relating to Architectural Consultants Specialising In The Green Belt on this Open Spaces Society link.

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