Labor has pledged to build 1.5 million homes in five years, while pledging to preserve the green buffer “which has served Britain’s towns and cities well over many decades”.
Established in 1938 as a rural ring that would limit London’s urban sprawl, the green belt now covers an area three times the size of the city.
In recent years, politicians have come under increasing pressure to help reduce housing demand in the southeast by opening up some land for building projects.
The Center for London argues that the green belt “contains many areas of low ecological quality, the loss of which will not necessarily harm our climate goals or people’s access to high-quality natural spaces”.
This is largely in the so-called ‘grey belt’ land – a moniker that counts brownfield and wasteland sites in what Labor calls the “unsightly and ugly areas” of the green belt. This is where the new government says the focus will be.
Building in the green belt is seen as a vote-loss by the outgoing Conservative government, which usually counts several Home Counties constituencies among its strongholds.
Here’s a taste of the green belt housing stock on offer.
Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
High Road, Broxbourne
Paul Wallace
Built in 1850, this distinctive Grade II-listed five-bedroom house has over 2,000 square feet of space. Perks include a separate study and playroom, plus an exceptionally large walled garden and outbuilding.
Paul Wallace Estate Agents, 01992 929602
Albury Park, Albury
Hamptons
A lovely two-bedroom cottage in a lovely former stable block in a stately home, all set in spacious communal grounds on the banks of the River Tillingbourne. Shuttered windows and exposed brick walls give it extra character.
Popes Lane, Cookham Dean
Foxtons
This picture-perfect cottage in a rural location near Maidenhead is deceptively spacious – there are four bedrooms, a study and attractive interior garden space, as well as a garage and hot house in the wraparound garden.
Lagham Park, South Godstone
Robert Star
A spacious family home with four bedrooms and coveted parquet floors, plus a stunning 300ft landscaped garden nestled in a pocket of ancient woodland. Within walking distance of the station, with connecting services to Tonbridge and Redhill.
Robert Leech, 01883 779596
Shoreham Road, Shoreham
Knight Frank
This former riverside corn mill, called The Old Mill House, dates from the 17th century but was converted in the 1970s. It comes with five bedrooms, a heated swimming pool and nearly three acres of land, plus a very Kentish extra – a one-bedroom oast cottage.
Knight Frank, 01732 444763
Newchapel Road, Surrey
Robert Star
A bright two-bedroom cottage with a south-facing garden on the rural edge of this popular village, handy for trains into Victoria. Highlights include an open fireplace in the living room, an outside store and a large closet from one bedroom that can be converted into a wardrobe.
Robert Leech, 01342 645083
High Street, Ongar
Keith Ashton
A Grade II listed two-bedroom cottage with good sized basement and lovely patio garden, close to shops in this historic village. A fine brick extension houses a long galley kitchen at the rear, allowing for two reception rooms below.
Keith Ashton, 01277 674395
Prestwood, Buckinghamshire
Kiln Road, Prestwood
Savills
This lovely four bedroom flint house – in the grammar school catchment – is set in a secluded quarter of an acre. Features include a garage, large utility room and three reception rooms, including one with an inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove.
Upper Green Road, Shipbourne
Good & Country
Three bedroom house with garage and lovely garden, on the market for the first time in over forty years. Snipbourne, near Tonbridge, sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the gardens of the house back onto the 1,000-acre Fairlawne Estate.
Fine & Country, 01892 352833
Dukes Hill, CR3
RPC Land and New Homes
A rare opportunity to purchase a one acre plot in the Green Belt with planning permission already granted. The permission is for a detached house to replace an existing building, which is protected from neighboring land by mature trees.
RPC Land and New Homes, 01622 943954