Surrey MP Says Housing Targets Should Not Conflict with Green Belt Protection

Published on: 25 Oct, 2026
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2026

What has traditionally been protected with green belt status is now more vulnerable because of “grey belt” criteria.

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Changes to planning rules will fail green belt communities, particularly those near railway stations, a Surrey MP has said. New measures being introduced make it easier to build near stations classed as well connected and will see large tracts of land reclassified as grey belt for development.

The default position will be to approve suitable planning applications for residential and mixed-use development within a walking distance of the ‘well-connected’ stations. Councils will still have the final say on plans and whether stations meet that definition.

Rebecca Paul, MP for Reigate

The Conservative MP for Reigate, Rebecca Paul, warned these changes will put further pressure on Surrey’s towns and villages already struggling to meet housing targets. She said: “These changes represent a major shift in the planning rules for England, shifting the dial in favour of developers.

“The removal of protections for land within 800 metres of well-connected railway stations is particularly concerning, as it can apply even to small village stations such as Chipstead, Earlswood and Kingswood. “I am concerned that Reigate, Redhill, Banstead and our villages are now in an extremely vulnerable position.

“Green belt land is much less protected, and high-density development around our stations risks becoming the default outcome. We could see substantial amounts of opportunistic development, whether or not it makes sense for our communities or is supported by the infrastructure they need.”

She added: “I recognise the need to build more homes across the country. Increasing housing supply is essential if we are to bring house prices down and ensure that the next generation can aspire to home ownership. But protecting the green belt and building more homes should not be in conflict.

“Through thoughtful site selection, we can deliver the homes we need while protecting the green spaces that make our communities special.”

The new National Planning Policy Framework published in August 2026 creates the default position for applications near railway stations, but developments will also have to meet minimum density requirements.

All proposals will still be decided in accordance with both local and national planning policies. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “We are committed to protecting the green belt and prioritising brownfield land for new homes, while unlocking the jobs and growth from building around well-connected stations.

“In the limited cases where development is allowed on the green belt, it must deliver more affordable housing, better infrastructure, and new or improved green spaces so that people in places like Reigate benefit.”