Countryside being built on at fastest rate in 25 years

THE countryside is being ‘concreted over’ by housing development at its fastest rate for 25 years, it has emerged.

A Government drive to release greenfield land to build houses has resulted in the countryside being ‘ripped up’ and fuelled an unaffordable housing crisis, campaigners say.

It comes as it was revealed that 8,240 acres of greenfields were lost to development last year alone, an area equivalent to a town the size of Hastings in East Sussex. The amount of greenfield land given over to developers has more than doubled in the past four years. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) blames the Government’s relaxation of planning regulations and its ‘build more at any cost approach’.

And it suggested the Government could be undermining its commitments to deliver UN sustainable development goals.

CPRE spokesman Rebecca Pullinger said last night: ‘The lack of reduction in greenfield development is alarming news for those who love the countryside. Developers are still able to force through land hungry, greenfield development even when brownfield options exist, often only benefiting their profits.

‘Brownfield land is a renewable resource, with new sites constantly being brought forward. It is often quicker to develop than greenfield land, and the majority is in areas that people want to live, best suiting their lifestyle and needs. It also helps towards the regeneration of our towns and cities. It is a win-win for all.’

In 2012, the Government removed its ‘brownfield first’ policy. Brownfield is land that is not suitable for agriculture.

The amount of land given to developers rose by 58 per cent from 2013 (5,200 acres) to 2017 (8,240 acres). Under previous rules, at least 30 new homes had to be built per hectare (the equivalent to two and a half acres), but new regulations mean developers can get away with erecting just 26 homes per hectare.

The CPRE believes the ‘ low- density unaffordable homes’ could also make the housing crisis worse.