I recently made representations ahead of the budget to the Government urging them to maintain Green Belt protections. I am therefore pleased that in the November 2017 budget reaffirms the Government’s commitment to maintain the existing protections for the Green Belt – which I know is important to local residents.
I have been a vocal supporter of our local green belt and important green space areas in our community such as Bedworth Woodlands. I strongly believe that our fields, woodlands and countryside should be protected against excessive development. It is clear that there is a need for more housing but they must be in the right areas and in consultation with local people. There is a growing demand for housing due to an increasing population. The previous Labour Government did little to address the housing shortage and left this country with the lowest levels of housebuilding since the 1920's. This Government, in contrast, has delivered over 700,000 homes in the last 6 years, and priority is now being given to the development of brownfield sites. Latest statistics show that the level of Green Belt development is at its lowest rate since modern records began in 1989. One proposal to address under-delivery of homes is to release further land following a Housing Delivery Test. This would ensure that where developers don't deliver, councils and local people can work together to deliver the homes that their area needs. The Government is considering all views, and will respond to the consultation on the proposals in due course.