Pressure on greenfield land has been particularly intense since government estimates, made during the Conservative administration, projected that 4.4m new households will form over the next 20 years. That figure has been revised down to 3.8m but government staticians have confirmed that demand for new homes will be acute because of greater longevity and higher divorce rates. Many rural communities are crying out for more affordable housing for local people. Quality design and landscaping can enhance the visual image. New homes with effective insulation, grey water recycling and other sustainable measures will contribute to the overall protection of the environment.
Regional targets fail on both counts.
To suggest that the green belt is under threat is simply unfounded. It has actually been strengthened in this parliament by 30,000 hectares, or three times the size of Bristol.