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<p>In our revised National Planning Policy Framework we ask local authorities to give
substantial weight to the value of re-using brownfield land, and to prioritise its
redevelopment wherever possible. To assist redevelopment the Government offers loans
for site preparation and infrastructure, and tax relief for land remediation; and
we have introduced Permission in Principle to speed housing-led development at sites
on local Registers of brownfield land.</p><p>By contrast, the Framework provides strong
discouragement for needless loss of Green Belt. It makes clear that most types of
new building are inappropriate in the Green Belt and should be refused planning permission.
It also states that a Green Belt boundary may be adjusted only in exceptional circumstances,
by means of the Local Plan revision process. At examination of a draft Plan the planning
inspector will now look for evidenced justification of any Green Belt boundary change,
to ensure that all other reasonable options for accommodating the development have
been explored.</p><p>Because each brownfield site is different, each often requires
a tailored solution. The land may be in an unsustainable or unviable location for
residential use, or unavailable, or in need of complicated remediation. It would be
impracticable to prevent local authorities building the homes we need until all their
brownfield is used up.</p>
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