According to analysis by Marrons Consultancy, more than one in three housing applications on grey belt land have been approved since the policy was introduced in December.
Marrons said the introduction of grey land under the revised National Planning Policy Framework could treble the number of acceptable sites considered for local plans.
The analysis reveals that 49% of all green belt planning appeals have been allowed between December and March this year compared with 31% in a similar period in 2023-24.
A total of 36% of housing applications on the grey belt were approved during the period. Meanwhile, 25% of housing appeal succeeded, compared with 15% the year before.
Marrons' analysis of three independent reviews carried out before the grey belt was introduced shows on average 15% of sites make a low or no contribution to the green belt's purposes. This has jumped to 60% since December.
Marrons' Planning Director, Roland Brass, said: "While the policy is still new and emerging, grey belt is proving to be a game changer, and it is having a significant impact on planning applications and local plans".
"Our analysis of planning appeal decisions and councils’ green belt reviews, including the government’s recently updated guidance on the green belt, shows that the assessment process has become more objective".
"However, in practice, it remains subjective, as each site is assessed on a case-by-case basis and as a result there has been the odd inconsistent decisions".
"We are also seeing planning officers and members become increasingly confident calling sites grey belt as some major housing applications have been granted planning permission at the local level".
"The appeal decisions highlight the importance of achieving the golden rules around provision of affordable housing, infrastructure and open space so the benefits of grey belt also support communities and meet local needs".
"Agreeing with a council that a site is grey belt can now significantly help de-risk and speed up the planning process to achieve a consent".
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