UKWA has formally responded to a recent inquiry by the House of Lords Built Environment Committee into the potential development of “Grey Belt” land within the Green Belt. The inquiry aims to highlight the crucial role that Grey Belt land could play in supporting the warehousing and logistics sector.Key Points from Our ResponseOur response emphasised the pressing need for strategically located land to support the growth of our industry. With the UK’s warehousing footprint expanding over 50% in the last decade, Grey Belt areas present a practical solution to accommodate the sector\’s needs while respecting the environment.https://www.ukwa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/New-policy-Briefing-Mailchimp-Month-3-11-1024×365.pngIn our submission, we outlined several benefits of utilising Grey Belt land:
- Efficient Logistics Hubs: Grey Belt land, typically previously developed or of limited environmental or recreational value, could support the development of logistics hubs near urban centres and major transport networks. This would not only streamline distribution but also reduce emissions by shortening travel distances.
- Enhanced Local Employment: Locating warehousing facilities on Grey Belt land offers a unique opportunity to bring high-value jobs closer to communities, supporting economic growth and reducing commuter journeys.
- Sustainable Development Goals: Strategic use of Grey Belt aligns with the UK’s net-zero and energy strategies, allowing warehousing and logistics to grow sustainably without compromising high-quality Green Belt areas.
Why This Inquiry Matters to Our SectorAs warehousing continues to support the growth of e-commerce and modern supply chains, securing land close to key transport corridors and urban centres is more critical than ever. The inquiry’s conclusions and recommendations could directly influence planning policies, potentially easing land constraints that many of our members face today.Next Steps and Continued AdvocacyUKWA will closely monitor the progress of this inquiry, with oral evidence sessions scheduled in November and a final report expected in early 2025. Our continued advocacy aims to ensure that any future planning frameworks adequately address the warehousing sector\’s land needs while balancing environmental considerations.You can read our response in full here.Image: © Jeff Gogary