UK Government to Compulsorily Purchase Green Belt Land for Housing
New rules will allow councils to buy land at below-market rates to address housing shortage driven by population growth.
- Councils will gain powers to buy Green Belt land at agricultural prices to build 1.5 million homes by 2030.
- Landowners refusing to sell could face compulsory purchase orders at benchmark values lower than market rates.
- The policy aims to tackle the housing crisis, especially in high-demand areas like London and the South East.
- The government emphasizes a 'brownfield-first' approach but acknowledges Green Belt development is necessary.
- Critics argue the move undermines protections for Green Belt land and benefits private developers.