The Grey Belt Breakfast Panel

On Thursday 20th March, we brought together the UK's Grey Belt experts to discuss the new policy, and break down the legal, political, and commercial realities of Grey Belt development. Speakers included Places for People, Avison Young, Irwin Mitchell, ‍Gleeson Land and Lichfields UK. This event provided exclusive insights, real-world case studies, and practical strategies for capitalising on this evolving policy.
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What did the panel cover:

‍Part 1: The politics of the Grey Belt

• Understanding the Grey Belt: What is it, and how does it differ from the Green Belt?
• The policy shift: Key legal changes
• Local authorities & resistance: Are councils embracing Grey Belt or waiting for political change?
• London’s hidden opportunity: Will Grey Belt solve the Green Belt deadlock?

Part 2: Mastering Grey Belt project delivery

• How developers should respond: Strategic moves to make now to secure sites.
• Viability & affordability challenges: Navigating infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing pressures.
• Real-world case studies: Learn from successful Grey Belt applications and avoid common pitfalls.
• The role of tech: How to identify prime Grey Belt opportunities using data-driven tools.
• Future outlook: Is this a game-changer or just a short-term fix?
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Our speakers:

• Dinny Shaw - Head of Planning - Places for People
• Craig Alsbury - Principal and Head of Planning - Avison Young
• Claire Petricca-Riding - Head of Planning & Environment - Irwin Mitchell
• Robert Philips - Planning Director - Gleeson Land
• Rachel Clements - Planning Director - Lichfields UK

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