MP calls for green belt protection (From Ilkley Gazette)

MP calls for green belt protection

9:00pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

A Leeds MP is calling on the Government to protect the status of green belt land.
Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, asked the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles to ensure measures are not introduced to water down the status of the green belt. He said brownfield sites were being ignored by developers in favour of more lucrative greenfield sites.
Mr Mulholland wants to see developers pushed to develop brownfield sites and bring empty homes back into use.
The MP has campaigned against a number of attempts to develop green belt land – most recently against the proposed development by the council of fields surrounding Rawdon Billing.
He said: “I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement during questions today, dismissing reports that green belt land would be opened up for development in order to boost economic growth
“Green belts play a vital role in preventing over-development of towns and cities, safeguarding the countryside from encroachment as well as encouraging urban regeneration and the re-use of brownfield sites and it is vital they are protected
“Any measures that are introduced to water down the status of green belt land would be unacceptable, especially when we consider there are brownfield sites that are screaming out for development, but are ignored or land banked by developers who target greenfield sites.
“The relaxation of rules relating to green belt would exacerbate this problem, so much more must be done to push developers to build on brownfield, as well as bringing empty homes back into use, so we get development where it is wanted and the housing we need, not expensive housing on green space which simply makes money for the developer.”