We'll protect green belt land, say Tories

Local communities will be given new powers to protect the green belt, the Tories promised today.

The announcement came as John Prescott ordered councils in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire to find space for 211,000 new homes by 2021. The homes are likely to mean more building in the countryside.

The Tories said they would introduce tighter regulations to safeguard the green belt. Their proposals will halt Mr Prescott's plans to build 140,000 homes each year in England. Local authorities will be given more say over where homes can be built.