An environmental campaigning group has challenged the government over its plans to build almost 60,000 new homes in Surrey over the next 20 years.

Campaigners are concerned that the Government is seeking to impose a target of 59,160 new homes in Surrey. One of the worst affected districts is Reigate and Banstead where the government wants 45 per cent more new homes built than originally agreed.

The Surrey Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is mobilising public support for its campaign to defend the green belt.

Thousands of “Hands off the Green Belt” leaflets, posters and car stickers have been distributed and over 1,600 Surrey residents have taken part in the CPRE campaign.

CPRE is also lobbying Surrey’s MPs and councillors to persuade them to stand firm against the Government’s plans.

Andy Smith, Green Belt campaign co-ordinator, said: “Green Belts have been an essential part of the planning system in England since 1955, protecting open spaces, maintaining a clear distinction between town and country, and stopping ‘ribbon’ development and urban sprawl.

“The intention was always that the Green Belt should provide permanent protection for green spaces around London and other major cities. It would be a disaster if this vital protection for our countryside were to be abandoned now.

“Once we start losing slices of the Green Belt to development, we will be unable to safeguard the remaining areas.”