Labour's plan to concrete over the green belt

LABOUR is facing fury over Angela Rayner's housebuilding plans, which opponents claiming it will concrete over the nation's green belt.

- Christian Calgie

The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary yesterday spelled out major planning reforms she says are necessary if the Government is to hit its target of 1.5 million new homes this Parliament.

In Peterborough, Ms Rayner said the housing goals, including big green changes, belt were "achievable" thanks to her shake-up.

Areas already been built on but have fallen into disrepair will now be reclassified as "grey belt" land on which councils can build.

The targets will be mandatory for local authorities and Ms Rayner warned she was "absolutely willing" to force plans on town halls which refused to co-operate.

However, her proposals faced widespread criticism from political opponents and activists.

In the House of Commons, Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said the reforms would make little difference because the majority of new homes would go to migrants.