A PETITION calling for a clearer definition of the greybelt has been back by Meriden and Solihull East MP, Saqib Bhatti.

The campaign is calling on the Government to amend the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to include clarity on the term used to describe some land currently designated as greenbelt.

The petition, which has gained support from Silhillians, seeks to strengthen the protections given to land that should be designated as greenbelt planning decisions that distinguish between genuinely protected green spaces and areas that may be better suited for sustainable development, such as brownfield sites.

The campaign seeks to defend and protect the countryside from overdevelopment.

It proposes a change to the definition of greybelt in NPPF to prevent the land that should be classified as greenbelt being targeted for substantial development.

Planning data released by Local Government chronical revealed Solihull is being pressured to take on thousands of additional homes to compensate other areas, like Birmingham, that are struggling to meet housing delivery goals.

This has sparked outrage among residents, councillors, and community leaders who fear that the borough’s character, infrastructure, and services are being stretched to breaking point.

Under the proposed calculation method, Solihull is reportedly expected to increase housing capacity.

The Conservative MP said: “When I became the MP for Meriden and Solihull East, I did so on the promise to do my utmost to protect our precious green belt and that is why I am backing this petition.

“The greenbelt plays a vital role in protecting our environment and preventing urban sprawl, and across Meriden and Solihull East areas of natural beauty are under threat from this Government.

“A clearer definition of the grey belt would help local authorities protect what truly matters: open countryside, and natural green space. It would also allow the prioritisation of brownfield regeneration and avoid pressure to build on land that should remain untouched.”

For more or to sign the petition click here.

If the petition receives over 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The deadline of the petition is the November 14.