Hertsmere MP James Clappison warned the Government that its housing plans would result in the loss of valuable countryside in Hertsmere last week.

The Conservative MP challenged the Minister for Housing and Planning, Nick Raynsford, over the Government's Green Belt policy in the House of Commons.

He spoke last Tuesday in response to a Government proposal to increase the target for building new homes in the South-East from 2,546 per year to 3,290. Mr Raynsford claimed the Government was committed to protecting Green Belt land and intended to make better use of previously-developed sites.

Mr Clappison said: 'The greater the housing targets required of boroughs, the greater the incursion will be into the Green Belt, at the expense of the countryside, the environment and quality of life.'

Hertsmere had few 'brownfield', or previously-developed sites, let alone derelict or damaged sites, left which would be suitable for housing.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Clappison said: 'I hope the Government will listen to what they are being told by MPs and councils throughout the South-East and think again about their policy.'

The Government is set to publish the final version of its Regional Planning Guidance document in the Autumn.