Policy SP5: Countryside and Green Belt:
The policy is supported. This is because the Council recognised, in the preparation of its draft plan, the need for a comprehensive Green Belt review in order to be able to accommodate its objectively assessed housing need (OAN) for the plan period. The release of appropriate areas of land from the
Green Belt is the only way to be able to meet the OAN in the most sustainable locations (i.e. such as at North Stevenage - Policy SP8/SP16 - NS1). Having completed that review and removed certain areas of land from the Green Belt in order to accommodate new development, it is appropriate to protect the remaining Green Belt areas in accordance with the guidance in the NPPF and PPG.