Gather together support
Gain public support
Any major policy initiative, like a new Green Belt, is likely to generate both supporters and opponents in each local authority within the area proposed to be designated.
A coordinated campaign to persuade each authority, through its officers and members, will be necessary.
This should be timed to be effective at the next appropriate stage in the process of review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (whether a review under way or a forthcoming review).
A sound technical case will need to be combined with an effective demonstration of support. On the latter, aim to win over the public, regeneration agencies, environmental organisations and heritage bodies.
Encourage debate by circulating information, holding meetings, attending the meetings of local organisations, and using the media.
Where there is a sound case for new Green Belt, the merits should become self-evident to people unfamiliar with them, so that they in turn can become advocates.
Don't be over-ambitious: press for Green Belt designation where there is a good case for them. When after a few years they have been found to do their job well, there may be a better case for extending them, but do not risk losing the whole principle by pressing for an excessive area initially. If there is not a good case for new Green Belt, or if it is not feasible to sustain a major campaign across a wide area, then it may be more realistic to call for local countryside protection policies at the district level.
Remember that it is the inner Green Belt boundary which matters more than the outer boundary.