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<p> </p><p>It is for local authorities in conjunction with their communities to assess
development needs and plan to meet them in a way which is consistent with national
policy. Our planning reforms have strengthened the role of Local Plans and abolished
the previous administration's undemocratic Regional Strategies which imposed housing
targets and Green Belt reviews. This returns power to local authorities and communities
to determine whether it is appropriate to develop on Green Belt land, taking into
account the strong protections in the National Planning Policy Framework.</p><p> </p><p>This
Government attaches great importance to Green Belt as a way to prevent sprawl and
encroachment on open countryside, and as a vital 'green lung' for many communities.
The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that openness and permanence are
essential characteristics of Green Belt. And that Green Belt boundaries can only be
revised in exceptional circumstances through the Local Plan process. Planning guidance
published on 6 March re-affirmed Green Belt protection.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>
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