'War on rural England' - National Planning Policy Framework overhaul to 'concrete' over the greenbelt for housing

"Our countryside will remain needlessly under threat"

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
Roger Mortlock, chief executive at the Countryside Charity, said: "Local authorities responsible for delivering new homes will be swamped with speculative applications on high-quality greenbelt and farmland."
Image:

Roger Mortlock, chief executive at the Countryside Charity, said: "Local authorities responsible for delivering new homes will be swamped with speculative applications on high-quality greenbelt and farmland."

Labour has announced changes to planning laws which could see 1.5 million homes being built across the UK, despite concerns that greenbelt land will be 'sacrificed' as a result. The Department of Housing,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

From the editor: Defra's revolving door has thrown Angela Eagle back in
Politics

From the editor: Defra's revolving door has thrown Angela Eagle back in

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
Katie Jones
clock 23 July 2026 • 2 min read
'We do not need to make a fortune, we just want to be able to farm', Efra chair told
Politics

'We do not need to make a fortune, we just want to be able to farm', Efra chair told

With farmers in the hills concerned about the direction of Government policy, Cumbrian farmers discussed their fears with Efra Committee chair Alistair Carmichael

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 23 July 2026 • 4 min read
Letters: "One wonders how long the idiocy of this Government will continue by ignoring the danger of wildfires"
Politics

Letters: "One wonders how long the idiocy of this Government will continue by ignoring the danger of wildfires"

Farmers Guardian reader Suzanne Greenhill, from Gloucestershire, adds her thoughts on the Government's current wildfire policy

Farmers Guardian
clock 21 July 2026 • 2 min read