by political editor Paul Francis

A softening of planning rules could make it easier for developers to build on Kent’s countryside and put pressure on green field sites, environmental groups are warning.

Kent CPRE said government plans designed to speed up the planning process will force councils to agree to development plans where it boosts jobs.

The relaxation of planning rules has triggered concerns that developers will find it much easier to build homes. The government has announced its reforms will mean "a powerful new presumption in favour of sustainable development."

Dr Hilary Newport, director of Kent CPRE, said: "Economic growth may be a priority but we shouldn’t be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. If development is allowed to spread under these changes, the very things that make parts of Kent attractive to people who may invest will be undermined. That is a step too far."

A related proposal to scrap targets to build on previously developed land could also put green field sites under greater threat, she added.

Developers have complained development on brown field land is more costly and slows down growth because it is so complicated. But Dr Newport said:

"There are many other things that have contributed to the downturn in development, not just this."

Kent MP and planning minister Greg Clarke said: "These measures will help create a planning system fit for the challenge of recovery and rebuilding Britain’s economy, while maintaining our commitment to protect the Green Belt and the environment."

George Osborne said: "We will expect all bodies involved in planning to prioritise growth and jobs. We will introduce a new presumption in favour of sustainable development, so that the default answer to development is ‘yes’."

In other key changes to the planning system, it will become easier for developers to change vacant offices into homes.