What are the Green Belt Golden Rules?

Changes to green belt planning rules were confirmed in December 2024, making it easier for developers to build on land that was once protected. The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduces three important green belt golden rules that developers must follow to get planning permission. These green belt golden rules are designed to make sure any new development protects the environment, supports affordable housing, and brings real improvements to local infrastructure.

What is the NPPF?

The NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) sets out the main rules for development in England. It supports sustainable development—which means building in a way that boosts the economy and helps communities, without causing harm to the environment. It also includes policies to protect nature and historic sites, encourage more affordable housing, and make sure proper infrastructure is in place before new homes are built.

What is the Green Belt?

The Green Belt was created in the mid-20th century to keep urban areas separate and protect rural landscapes and green spaces. The idea behind the Green Belt is to keep our countryside open, undeveloped, and enjoyable for future generations. Today, it’s protected by strict planning rules, meaning that developers usually can’t build on it unless there are special reasons—known as Green Belt exceptions.

Although many people think the Green Belt is just about protecting the environment, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out five main purposes for Green Belt land:

1. To stop towns and cities from sprawling outwards

2. To prevent nearby towns from merging together

3. To help protect the countryside from being built on

4. To keep the special look and feel of historic towns

5. To support urban regeneration by reusing built-up land

The Golden Rules for the Green Belt in Detail

The golden rules for development on green belt land are a key aspect of the updated planning policy introduced by the UK government in December 2024. These rules aim to allow more building on Green Belt land—but in a careful and sustainable way.

According to paragraph 158 of the new NPPF, if a development follows the green belt golden rules, it should be looked at favourably by planners.

As explained in paragraph 156, there are three main contributions developers must make when building in the Green Belt:

1. Affordable Housing

This golden rule focuses on making sure a percentage of new homes are more affordable.

Here’s how it works:

• If a council has up-to-date local housing policies, those rules will apply.

• If it doesn’t, developers must add 15 percentage points to the highest local affordable housing requirement—up to a maximum of 50%.

Example: If the current requirement is 20%, the developer must now provide 35% affordable housing (20% + 15). If there’s no local policy, they’ll need to offer 50%.

Even if a developer says the project isn’t financially viable, they must provide strong evidence following national guidelines.

However, it is important to note that there are many ways housing can be classed as "affordable." Affordable housing is considered to be housing for people who can’t afford to rent or buy at full market prices. The UK government say it is a key part of tackling the housing crisis, reducing homelessness, and helping first-time buyers get on the property ladder.

Homes classed as "affordable" rentals can include homes rented at 20% below market value and social housing rentals. Homes classed as "affordable" for people to buy include shared ownership schemes, rent-to-buy schemes, the first homes scheme, and homes that developers commit to sell at 20% below market value.

2. Infrastructure improvements

The golden rule around infrastructure improvements is about making sure communities can cope with new housing.

Although the NPPF doesn’t list every required improvement, the consultation mentioned things like:

• New schools

• GP surgeries

• Care homes and nurseries

• Better transport links

It’s up to each council to decide what their local area needs, and developers must support these improvements. This approach gives local leaders the power to shape developments based on what their communities truly need.

3. Green Space Access

Access to green space is also a key aspect of the golden rules. New residents should have access to high-quality parks or green areas within walking distance of their homes—whether it’s part of the site or nearby.

Paragraph 159 of the NPPF says these green spaces should:

• Fit in with the surrounding landscape

• Support nature recovery

• Meet local or national green space standards (e.g. Natural England or Green Flag)

Who Must Follow the Green Belt Golden Rules?

The rules apply to major developments on Green Belt land, whether it’s newly released through a plan or already in the Green Belt.

A major development includes:

• 10+ new homes

• Developments over 0.5 hectares (if housing numbers aren’t known)

• Over 1,000m² of new floorspace

• Projects on sites 1 hectare or larger

• Mineral or waste developments

Who’s exempt?

• Minor developments (under 10 homes)

• Projects approved or planned before the new NPPF was published

Plans to Build on Green Belt in Sheffield

In 2025, Sheffield City Council voted in favour of The Sheffield Local Plan, which includes plans to build on green belt in Sheffield. These plans include multiple "employment" zones (which councillors told us means warehouses etc), plus an additional 3,539 homes in green belt areas. These plans fall disproportionately on the S13 and S35 postcodes. Local campaign groups have formed to fight back against these plans. Check out our GREEN BELT BLOG for more details.