Campaigners accuse Conservatives of failing to protect England's green belt

Research shows 50% rise of new homes planned for greenfield sites with more than 70% not classed as 'affordable'

The Conservatives have been accused of failing to protect the countryside after research revealed that the number of new homes being planned on green belt in England had increased by over 50% since last year and the majority were not classed as affordable.

Theresa May told parliament in February that the government was "very clear that the green belt must be protected", but 425,000 new homes are currently planned for sites designated to protect against urban sprawl, up from 273,000 in March 2016, according to research by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.