Speaking yesterday at the MIPIM UK property fair in London, Homes and Communities Agency head of strategic land Louise Wyman said that the development industry was "certainly calling for" an easing of restrictions around green belt land, but added that it was "a very politically hot topic" and would not comment further.
Wyman instead stressed the use of brownfield land to deliver more homes.
She said that that she would "much rather see brownfield land used more intelligently" and suggested that use classes should be changed "around defunct brownfield sites" to enable more development.
"There’s lots we can do around out brownfield land to help regenerate our cities", she said.
Speaking at the same session, Robert Smith, head of national strategic land at property firm Carter Jonas called for a limited review of the green belt.
However, he suggested that, following any such move, developers should be expected to build to higher standards.
"Impose constraints on developers so that when they’re developing a site [on former green belt] they actually give more public benefit", he said.
