by political editor Paul Francis

pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Prime Minister has stepped into the growing row over controversial planning reforms that critics say pose a risk to the Kent countryside.

David Cameron has told the National Trust, which is campaigning against the changes, that the new regime would seek to "achieve a balance" between the environmental, social and economic dimensions of developments.

His intervention comes as the Kent director of the National Trust launched a stinging attack on the plans, which are being led by the Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark.

National Trust director Hilary McGrady said: "Here in Kent there is already intense pressure for development and, if the framework goes through, the floodgates would really open."

She added: "Nobody is denying we need more housing in the south of England. The question is one of balance.

"The government framework is a breathtakingly partial document which places all power in the hands of developers and would leave councils almost powerless to resist their advances.

"The document masquerades as a manifesto for localism; in reality it is just a developer's charter."

A number of Kent MPs are unhappy about aspects of the shake-up, fearing it will make it harder to resist development.

And the changes have been derided by the Weald of Kent Protection Society, which says they are flawed.

In a sign that he recognises the mounting problems facing the government over the reforms, Mr Cameron said: "Our reform proposals are intended to simplify the system, strengthen local participation and secure sustainable development.

"I believe that sustainable development has environmental and social dimensions as well as an economic dimension, and we fully recognise the need for a balance between the three.

"Indeed, the purpose of the planning system as a whole, and of our proposals for it, is to achieve such a balance."