Planning Matters #7 of 2025 

26 July 2025 

In this edition: 

·         ‘Grey Belt’ explained 

·         How you can help

 'Grey Belt' explained 

At the Taylor Wimpey (TW) 'consultation event' on 18 July, many people were either confused or angered by TW’s claim that “The land is grey belt, previously developed or underused and not strongly contributing to the Green Belt’s wider purposes”. We’ve put this article on our website, showing why that was a disingenuous statement, and clarifying what is actually meant by ‘Grey Belt’. 

How you can help 

We are planning a leaflet drop to every household in Normandy to raise awareness of what lies ahead and to encourage new people to join our mailing list. We had a brilliant response to the request in our previous newsletter for volunteers to distribute these, but there is still room for more (see image below: the green flag areas in particular are those where we need more hands). Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help in this or in any other way, e.g. if you have relevant professional expertise that could support the campaign. 

Highlighting the threat to habitat, biodiversity, and heritage posed by TW’s proposals will be a key part of the response to any eventual planning application. If you can help in this area, please contact Philippa Mitchell - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Several of you have kindly enquired about making donations to NAG to support our efforts. For some time, we have operated exclusively online, and haven’t needed to collect a membership fee as we did in earlier years. But we will now need extra funds to print leaflets and other publicity materials; we are in the process of establishing the best online portal to receive donations, and will be back in touch when we have set one up. 

Our local MP, Dr Al Pinkerton wants to hear your views on the proposed development, and so does Normandy Parish Council. Feel free to email either or both of them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. respectively. At this stage it is just about gauging the level of feeling in the village about the proposed development, ahead of more detailed proposals emerging.