Labour is set to deliver yet another blow to farmers as their “grey belt” policy will put farms “at risk” who are close to cities.
According to the countryside charity Campaign to Protect Rural England they have identified that 11% of the UK’s farmland’s green belt is less than 5km from cities that is not green belt land.
The charity is warning that under Labour’s “grey belt” policy the government is expected to place farms that are in close proximity to cities will be at risk.
GB News reported, the charities’ chief executive of CPRE, Roger Mortlock said, “The green belt discussion has focused on what it blocked rather than what it delivered.”
“The countryside around our towns and cities plays a vital role in putting food on our plates.
“Building on the so-called grey belt will not provide the genuinely affordable and social rented homes that people in this country need,” he added.
A Government spokesperson said, “The government is maintaining the existing strong protection for the best and most versatile agricultural land — the land which is most important for food production.
“And the national planning policy framework is clear: where significant development is necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be opted for over those of a higher quality.
“Our vision is for a better planning system that will unlock the housing and infrastructure this country urgently needs while improving outcomes for nature.”
