Investment zones could be allowed in England’s national parks

Documents show zones with liberalised' planning laws could get go-ahead even in the most environmentally protected areas

Investment zones with liberalised" planning laws to accelerate development could be designated within national parks and in the most environmentally protected areas of the UK, government documents reveal.

Details of the government's new zones to increase housebuilding and commercial development reveal councils can apply for zones in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, (AONBs) sites of special scientific interest, (SSSIs) and green belt land.

A national park.

An area of outstanding natural beauty.

A site of special scientific interest, or equivalent designation.

The buffer zone of a world heritage site.

Designated green belt.