Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 1

EM2: Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and Green Chains

The Council will seek to maintain the current extent, hierarchy and strategic functions of the Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and Green Chains. Notwithstanding this, Green Chains will be reviewed for designation as Metropolitan Open Land in the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations LDD and in accordance with the London Plan policies.

Minor adjustments to Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land will be undertaken in the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2- Site Specific Allocations LDD.

Any proposals for development in Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land will be assessed against national and London Plan policies, including the very special circumstances test.

Any proposals for development in Green Chains will be firmly resisted unless they maintain the positive contribution of the Green Chain in providing a visual and physical break in the built-up area; conserve and enhance the visual amenity and nature conservation value of the landscape; encourage appropriate public access and recreational facilities where they are compatible with the conservation value of the area, and retain the openness of the Green Chain.

Implementation of Policy EM2- how we will achieve this

The Council will implement Policy EM2:

  • Through the development management process, in accordance with national policy for Green Belts and Metropolitan Open Land. Anomalies in local boundaries will be rectified through Local Development Documents in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
  • Green Chains will be reviewed for designation as Metropolitan Open Land and designated through Local Development Documents as appropriate, in accordance with the London Plan policies.

Monitoring of Policy EM2- how we will measure success

  • Number of planning applications refused on Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land or Green Chains grounds.
  • Number of appropriate developments approved on Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Land.
  • Net change in hectares of Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land or Green Chains lost to development.

For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 1