At Prologis, we’re committed to working hand in hand with the Government to ensure the planning system drives growth, investment, and resilience across the UK. The Grey Belt inquiry by the Built Environment Committee has already raised some thought-provoking points, and we’ve been reflecting on the oral evidence presented so far.
One thing is clear - the Grey Belt isn’t just about solving the housing crisis. Speaker after speaker has stressed that a housing-first approach risks sidelining the broader purpose of the Grey Belt, which includes enabling commercial development to fuel economic growth.
With the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) expected before Christmas, there’s a big question mark over how the Grey Belt will be defined - will it be set out in national policy, or will it be left to Practice Guidance? We’re also keeping an eye on the upcoming Select Committee session on 18th December, where the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing are due to give evidence which will bring further clarity on the future of the Grey Belt.
For now, we’ve pulled together our key points and recommendations below as we watch how this debate unfolds.
Why the grey belt matters
The grey belt concept is about unlocking potential by turning underutilised land and delivering growth. Done right, it can deliver housing, create jobs, and drive innovation, all while preserving our environment and supporting sustainable growth.
A need for clarity
The idea of the Grey Belt is promising, but what exactly does it mean? Prologis fully supports the creation of a Grey Belt designation, but the current definition is rather grey. Ambiguity about what qualifies as Grey Belt land has been a recurring theme in the inquiry, and it’s something we highlighted in our NPPF response.
This lack of clarity has real consequences. Without clear guidance, planning decisions risk being delayed, leaving developers and communities in limbo. A refined definition with clear criteria is essential to give policymakers, developers, and communities the confidence to move forward.
We couldn’t agree more with the Home Builders Federation (HBF), who called for clear, practical examples of how Grey Belt land can deliver balanced and sustainable development during the inquiry. Showcasing successful case studies would go a long way in illustrating how this concept can meet housing, employment, and sustainability goals.
A path to sustainable growth
The Select Committee has rightly pointed out that Grey Belt development can’t just be about solving immediate needs - it has to align with long-term sustainability goals. Prologis believes this is where the Grey Belt can shine.
By focusing on underutilised land, like disused petrol stations or inaccessible degraded sites Grey Belt policy can maximise efficiency and reduce pressure on greenfield land. This isn’t just about being sustainable - it’s about being smart.
Aligning Grey Belt policy with the Government’s broader goals for economic growth and infrastructure resilience ensures that we’re not just meeting today’s needs, but also preparing for the future.
At Prologis, we’re ready to do our part. By working with the Government and local authorities, we’re committed to making the Grey Belt a key tool for shaping the future of the built environment. Together, we can create a planning system that works for everyone—balancing housing and economic development to ensure a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.