'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

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

Wetherby and Easingwold MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke writes on how the shooting industry plays an important role to the economy and rural way of life, the countryside's backlash to the proposed shotgun licence merger, and why the Government risks breaking the very spirit that's sustained farming communities for generations

Sir Alec Shelbrooke
clock 13 February 2026 • 3 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Atkins: "The relationship between this Government and the countryside is broken"
Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Atkins: "The relationship between this Government and the countryside is broken"

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Akins said Defra quangos and regulators need to either be scrapped or streamlined because at present, they do not serve the best interests of farmers, the countryside and the country as a whole

Victoria Atkins
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Farmers descend on Parliament Square to call for Starmer to resign as PM
Politics

Farmers descend on Parliament Square to call for Starmer to resign as PM

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to battle on as Prime Minister, receiving the backing of Cabinet in the process, after rumours swirled earlier this week that he would resign earlier this week

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 11 February 2026 • 3 min read