The Green Belt: A Planning History

The Green Belt is a designated area of open land around cities intended to prevent urban sprawl, protect the environment, and preserve natural landscapes. Its planning history involves balancing development needs with conservation, often leading to debates over land use. Introduced in the mid-20th century, Green Belts aim to control city growth, encourage efficient land use, and maintain access to green spaces for residents. Over time, planning policies have adapted to address housing demand and economic considerations while maintaining the primary goal of safeguarding these protected areas from urban expansion.