Green belt protest goes to London

A final decision is due from the government by the end of 2008

Protesters from Bristol have travelled to Downing Street to hand in a petition opposing plans to build thousands of new homes to the south of the city.

The campaign group travelled to London to lobby MPs who were having a special debate on the new housing plans for the South West of England.

The government wants to build 117,350 houses by 2026 in the former Avon area.

Campaigners said if new houses were built then the city boundaries between Bristol and Bath could disappear.

'Unsustainable'

Roger Berry, Labour MP for Kingswood, said: "I'm totally opposed to any development on green belt to the east of the Avon Ring Road.

"Not just this development - I want no development at all. The green belt is there to protect the space between Bristol and Bath.

"There is a need for housing but you need to have the housing in the right place.

"We need to have the homes near to where people work, not miles away that then requires commutes that are unsustainable."

Steve Webb, the Liberal Democrat MP for Northavon, said: "We need to protect the green belt at all costs and not just for people who live in the countryside but for people who live in the cities as well."

Debbie Nicholls, of the Dundry Residents Action Group, said: "The main message is - do not desecrate our green belt - use other forms of land prior to using the green belt. We will protect it robustly."

A final decision is due from the government by the end of 2008.