The government has attempted to silence critics of its housing policy by saying that 29,651 acres (12,000ha) of new green belt land would be announced shortly.
The claim follows concerns that the Communities Plan and the Barker Review of housing supply would “concrete over England”.
Planning minister Keith Hill said that 61,774 acres (25,000ha) of green belt have been created since 1997, with a further 12,000ha due to be announced in local authority plans, according to statistics published today.
Hill said: “We are determined to deliver thriving, sustainable communities and that means creating green and open spaces as well as building homes and schools.
“The green belt has played an extremely important role in preventing urban sprawl, protecting the identity and character of towns and villages across the country.
“I’m delighted these statistics back up the promises we’ve made to maintain and increase it.”
The statistics support regeneration minister Lord Rooker’s vow at last year’s Labour Party Conference that any green belt lost in the South East would be made up for in other regions.
The government’s figure doesn’t include the 113,664 acres (46,000ha) of new green belt in the New Forest, which has only been designated as green belt prior to its adoption as a formal National Park.
References: EGi News 29/03/04
