A new academic publication by Dr Charles Goode of the University of Birmingham draws attention at a pivotal time for housing and planning policy in the UK.
The Green Belt, Housing Crises and Planning Systems
Published by Routledge, The Green Belt, Housing Crises and Planning Systems offers a timely and critical analysis of Green Belt policy amid the government’s proposed introduction of a ‘grey belt’ and renewed focus on accelerating housebuilding.
The book charts the historical evolution of Green Belts both in the UK and internationally, providing an in-depth look at their functions, public perceptions, and political dynamics. In its second half, it delves into the Green Belt’s relationship with the housing crisis, arguing that outdated perceptions and lack of strategic oversight are hampering efforts to address urgent development needs.
The Green Belt must be reimagined. We need a national conversation - potentially a Royal Commission - to explore how the policy can better reflect the dual imperatives of green infrastructure and tackling the housing crisis. People understand the benefits of the Green Belt, but not necessarily its costs. This book is about making that trade-off clearer and promoting evidence-led reform.
Supported by an academic team including Associate Professors Austin Barber and Mike Beazley and enriched by contributions from planning practitioners, the development industry, conservation movement and the Royal Town Planning Institute, the monograph reflects years of interdisciplinary engagement.
Dr Goode’s research has already gained traction among policy professionals and will be the subject of upcoming launch and debate events involving key stakeholders from planning, government, and academia.
Find out more about the new book here.
Teaching Fellow in Urban and Regional Planning
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Profile for Dr Charles Goode, Teaching Fellow in Planning and Geography at the University of Birmingham
