A SOLIHULL MP has hit out at the Government’s response to a petition to define the greybelt.
Saqib Bhatti MP for Meriden and Solihull East threw his support behind calls for the Government to amend the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to include a clearer definition of some land currently designated as Green Belt.
The Government responded to the petition stating: “The Government has no plans to change the definition of grey belt in the National Planning Policy Framework, the targeted release of which is essential to deliver the development our country needs.”
Mr Bhatti said: “As an MP deeply committed to safeguarding our environment, I firmly believe that protecting the green belt is essential to preserving our communities, wildlife, and natural heritage for future generations.
“The Government’s recent statement on the grey belt definition falls short of the robust protections we urgently need. This petition represents the voices of over 17,000 people who share our concerns, and it’s crucial we continue to build momentum by gathering more signatures.
“Together, we can hold the government accountable and ensure that development does not come at the expense of our precious green belt.”
Over 17,000 people nationally including residents from across Solihull,have signed the petition in a bid to defend and protect the countryside from overdevelopment.
It also seeks to strengthen the protections given to land that should be designated as green belt planning decisions that distinguish between genuinely protected green spaces and areas that may be better suited for sustainable development, such as brownfield sites.