The authority had rejected the plans for new housing on land off Bentley Lane in Walmersley, citing concerns over housing density and the site’s location in the countryside. The application, submitted by Jamie Unsworth, was for permission in principle on the land, which sits adjacent to the M66 motorway and north of Bentley Lane. The plot borders the M66 motorway and consists of greenfield land with an area of allotments to the southern boundary, with several outbuildings and structures. However, Mr Smith noted that site-specific factors, including the adjacent M66 motorway, steep topography, and existing trees, support a lower-density scheme. "Grey belt" is defined as land in the green belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of the purposes of the green belt.