Yes you can remove the belt, no harm in that. You just will experience what NOT having the drag on the crank/engine that the pump induces when the air con is on or off. Removing the entire AC will do the above AND lower weight that IS noticeable once everything is removed.
All sorted today. Easy done. Everything that came out did weigh quiet a bit. Engine bay looking better already with it removed. Now on to removing and tucking other bits.