Barnsley Council has formally approved the start of work on a completely new Local Plan.
The council says this is one of the biggest long-term planning processes the borough will undertake.
The eventual plan will help decide where future homes, jobs and employment sites, roads, schools, services and green spaces are provided across Barnsley.
The council has said it intends to take a brownfield-first approach.
However, it has already warned that there is not enough brownfield land to meet future housing requirements, meaning Green Belt development will form part of the discussion.
The council has stressed that no specific Green Belt site has been approved simply because work on the Local Plan has started.
There will be a lengthy statutory planning and consultation process before a final plan is adopted.
Source information
Source: Barnsley Council