Tory bungling bungalow plans would destroy countryside - Liberal Democrats

8.44.28pm GMT Thu 30th Nov 2006

Huge swathes of English countryside would be built on if housing proposals from the Conservatives were enacted, according to new research from the Liberal Democrats.

The Conservatives have said that more bungalows and large houses with gardens should be built instead of mixed developments of semi-detached and terraced houses and flats.

Liberal Democrat research suggests this policy could lead to a doubling of the land required across England for building new homes, increasing pressure on farmland, greenbelt and other protected countryside.

Building just bungalows with gardens would increase the amount of land used in the South East for house building by 134.82% on 2005 figures.

Commenting on the Conservative proposals, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Dan Rogerson MP said "Conservative housing policy is in a mess. One day they're saying they want to protect the greenbelt, the next that urban green space is more valuable than rural green space.

"Building bungalows instead of a mix of houses and flats could double the amount of land needed - putting pressure on the greenbelt and the countryside.

"Housing in Britain needs to be more sustainable. This means cutting the energy and water they use, but also considering how many new homes we need and where they are built. Ensuring they are as close to schools, hospitals, shops and leisure facilities is one way of reducing the impact of new homes on the environment.

"If the Tories wish to be serious contributors to this debate then they need to address the pressing realities of housing in the UK."