Grey belt
In urban planning, the term "grey belt" refers to areas within a city that are characterised by a high degree of impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and buildings, which are often associated with industrial, commercial, or densely built residential zones. These areas typically have little to no green space or vegetation, leading to various environmental and social challenges. The term "grey belt" is often used in contrast to "green belt," which refers to areas of protected open space or countryside around urban areas designed to limit urban sprawl and provide recreational areas, agricultural land, and wildlife habitats.
Key features include:
- The predominance of surfaces that do not absorb water, contributing to increased runoff and potential flooding.
- The concentration of buildings and paved surfaces can lead to higher temperatures in grey belt areas compared to surrounding rural areas.
- Limited parks, gardens, and natural areas, which can negatively impact residents' quality of life, mental health, and physical well-being.
- Potential for higher levels of pollution (air, water, noise) due to industrial activities and dense traffic.
- Possible socio-economic issues, such as higher population density, limited recreational facilities, and reduced aesthetic appeal.
Urban planners often seek to address the challenges of grey belts through strategies including:
- Introducing parks, green roofs, street trees, and community gardens to increase green space and improve environmental quality.
- Encouraging the use of permeable materials, green building techniques, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
- Promoting developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create more balanced and vibrant communities.
- Enhancing public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce reliance on cars and decrease pollution.
NB: "Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system" Published by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government on 30 July 2024, states:
For the purposes of Plan-making and decision-making, grey belt is defined as land in the Green Belt comprising Previously Developed Land and any other parcels and/or areas of Green Belt land that make a limited contribution to the five Green Belt purposes (as defined in para 140 of this Framework) but excluding those areas or assets of particular importance listed in footnote 7 of this Framework (other than land designated as Green Belt). |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
London Build Fire and Security Expo
20-21 Nov and now with new Ambassador Programme..
The Scottish Building Safety Levy
Eight weeks of consultation closing on 18 November.
The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing
shifting policies from the wild west of housing development.
Future proofing homes that are fit for purpose
Specification challenges and the role of plastic.
Thousands of new homes unlocked for brownfield sites
£68 million to 54 councils for neglected land into new homes.
Roof terraces and higher-risk buildings
Context, review, interpretation, case and guidance..
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Architecture in Britain and Ireland, 1530 - 1830
Steven Brindle’s book is required reading.
Employment Rights Bill; making work pay
‘Biggest uplift in employment rights law since the 1970s’
Battle for Mill Road Free Library
Years of failures by the county and city councils.
The accolades that demonstrate and recognise outstanding achievement.
What is the Conference of the Parties ?
The who, where, what and when before no 29.
CIOB signs up to Green Skills At COP campaign
In preparation for COP29 on 11 November in Azerbaijan.
2024 ECA Industry Awards evening
Full list of electrical contractors scooping top prizes.
Briefing on the implications of the final Grenfell inquiry report
What it means for Architectural Technology professionals.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024
International showcase for the very best photography of the built environment.