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Solve London's housing crisis by unlocking Green Belt land, say business leaders

Business leaders in London have called on the government to consider reclassifying Green Belt land in the capital’s outer reaches as a way to solve the city’s housing crisis.

According to a new ComRes poll commissioned by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), nearly half (47%) of business leaders surveyed supported the reclassification of poor quality green belt land in and around the capital to help facilitate more house building.

It comes after previous research by LCCI which found that London business leaders believes the scarcity of land is a significant barrier to housebuilding in the capital and is exacerbating the housing crisis.

Chief Executive of LCCI, Colin Stanbridge said that the Green Belt was borne out of location, not necessarily the quality of land, meaning large swathes of wasteland are currently sat undeveloped.

He added: “The idea of a greenbelt being lush parkland is something of a misnomer. In fact land which is currently classified as in the Green Belt covers a wide range, from parks to derelict buildings on wasteland.”

In addition to a review of Green Belt land, the LCCI has also called on the Mayor to promote increased housing density around transport hubs, including the likes of Farringdon, to make the most out of the existing infrastructure in place.

Stanbridge commented: “We would urge consideration to be given to the wider strategic role of land within the Green Belt. LCCI has recommended that the Mayor of London review the status of poor quality Green Belt land, to assess its potential for housing

“Reviewing the status of poor quality greenbelt land will enable the new Mayor to identify opportunities for housing but at the same time protect London’s valuable green spaces.”

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