The figures were revealed as a Conservative Bill to close the planning loophole that defines gardens as brownfield sites comes back to the House of Commons on 15th June.
Under present planning rules, gardens are classed as brownfield sites - just like a derelict factory or railway siding - which means they are subject to a presumption in favour of development. This makes it difficult for local councils to refuse planning permission without the risk that their decision will be overturned by the Planning Inspectorate, which enforces Government planning policy.
This loophole has led to mature family homes being demolished and replaced by apartment blocks and carparks covering the whole footprint of the site - house and garden included.
Mr Dunne said:
"In the Ludlow constituency, we are under increasing threat of gardens being grabbed and covered in concrete. Planning rules, drawn up by this Government, are resulting in demolition of homes with gardens, which are then typically replaced by high density housing and flats. Particularly controversial applications were made in Bridgnorth and Church Stretton in the last two years.
The reason for this is because gardens are not protected as 'green space', but are treated as 'brownfield land' - a categorisation introduced to cover old industrial sites, like derelict factories and abandoned buildings. Most people are unaware that this results in the loss of precious biodiversity, increased pressure on local infrastructure and the alteration of the character of our community, often for the worse.
The Conservative Party will continue to campaign against this controversial development with policies that aim to give stronger protection to gardens in planning law, and to allow elected local councillors to have greater discretion to decide whether an application to develop a garden is appropriate or not."
