As Sadiq Khan commits to releasing parts of the green belt, we get two experts to make the case for and against in this week’s Debate

Yes: The green belt has grown to be many times larger than originally intended

London is so far from delivering the new homes needed to address the crisis of affordability and supply; the capital is on track to build just 5.5 per cent of the government’s target of 88,000 this year, according to some commentators. So, something must change. That is not to say that building in the green belt is the least bad option, but there are some significant advantages, provided rules apply.

As HTA Design has proved with projects at Hanham Hall in Bristol and Cane Hill in Croydon, new housing in the green belt can deliver spectacular increases in biodiversity. At the same time, our evaluation studies amongst residents demonstrate greatly improved wellbeing, in terms of physical and mental health. Both of these schemes were built by housebuilders, so we’ve proved they can do it, if we ask them to.

The key to success will be the application of better and more stringent planning requirements. Sites must be chosen that are well connected to infrastructure. The........

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