CPRE warns of green belt loss
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has warned, in a new report, of the loss of green belt land

Green belt land equivalent in size to 1,100 football pitches has been concreted over each year since 1997, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
Eco-town construction, claims the report, could also lead to further loss of green belt land.
Green belt land covers around 13 per cent of England, and building on it is prohibited - although local planning authorities can appeal to independent inspectors, who are able to move boundaries.
Since 1997, 1,100 hectares of green belt has been developed, and 45,000 homes have been built on green belt land.
The CPRE's report highlights another 18 areas around London that are under review by planning authorities.
Paul Miner, the CPRE's senior planning campaigner, said: 'The green belt is being seriously eroded. Too much development has already been permitted. We need a strong commitment by ministers in practice to uphold existing green belt policy. We also want the Government to carry out an urgent review of these current threats to the green belt to avoid further losses.'
Planning minister Iain Wright said, however, that the CPRE's report 'is flawed and one-sided. The suggestion that the amount of green belt is falling overall is deeply misleading.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
'What the CPRE fail to tell you is that since 1997 the overall amount of green belt has grown by 33,000 hectares.'
The CPRE's report concludes, however, that green belt land equivalent in size to 1,100 football pitches has been concreted over each year since 1997.
To comment on this article, use the comment box below, or email us at clonews@ipcmedia.com. Read more about the countryside.
Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.
-
Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Five frankly enormous mansions, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country Life
Sometimes bigger really is better.
By Toby Keel Published