Strategic Green Belt Review

WMCA are looking to recruit a consultant to review and evaluate the various Green Belt assessments already undertaken, identifying where methodologies align or diverge and determining whether, and how, they can be treated consistently for SDS purposes. The study is also required to extend beyond the National Planning Policy Framework's five purposes of the Green Belt and assess the wider functional roles that Green Belt land performs across the region, including recreation and access, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and climate resilience, food production, and landscape and visual contribution. The outcomes of the work should support the development of strategic spatial options, inform Green Belt policy within the SDS, assist Local Plan alignment across the wider area and contribute to the design of environmental net-gain and enhancement programmes.