RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has called on the government to give more powers to councils in rural areas like his constituency to prevent their green fields being swallowed up by housing.

The Tory backbencher was written to local government secretary James Brokenshire asking him to change to the National Planning Policy Framework to increase protection for countryside threatened by development.

He has invited him to visit the constituency to see for himself what is happening there.

Mr Evans said: "There is a drastic need for housing in the UK but this does not mean there is drastic need in the Ribble Valley.

"Each week it seems a new development is underway in Clitheroe, the area is absolutely saturated with new build homes. Clitheroe, Barrow and Whalley have more than played their part in easing the national housing crisis.

“The National Planning Policy Framework is a vital tool to ensure that the government is on track to deliver much-needed homes, but there is little provision to protect areas like the Ribble Valley that have already been flooded with new developments. If building carries on at this level Barrow will become a continuation of Clitheroe.

"I have invited Mr Brokenshire to visit the Ribble Valley and see first-hand the sheer number of developments and show him plots that are still vacant months after completion.””

Applications to build a further 110 homes in Clitheroe and 184 homes in Whalley have been lodged to Ribble Valley Borough Council this Summer with residents to voice their concerns over the lack of vital infrastructure.

Mr Evans has also written to to all members of the Ribble Valley Borough Council Planning & Development Committee pleading for action to slow down the number of housing developments being passed in Clitheroe and surrounding areas.