Green Belts
Green belts can help to avoid unmanaged, unplanned urban expansion and have an important role to play in the sustainable development of towns and cities.
Policy Summary
Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 21: Green Belts sets out the policy aims which are to:
- direct planned growth to the most appropriate locations and support regeneration
- protect and enhance the character, landscape setting and identify of towns and cities
- protect and give access to open space within and around towns and cities, as part of the wider structure of green space
There is a strong presumption against inappropriate development in green belts. Where the release of green belt land for development is considered necessary, this should be taken forward as part of a long-term settlement strategy in the development plan.
Management plans for green belts, agreed between local authorities, landowners and other interests can play an important role in maximising the benefits of green belt land.