The suggestion that Councils should no longer demand affordable homes as part of agreements with housing developers is one that should be opposed at every turn.

Removing local authorities powers to impose conditions that ensure builders have to create a percentage of social housing would give even more incentive for the ongoing encroachment onto our district’s green spaces.

This recommendation is the latest in a number of suggestions to try and reduce conditions and restrictions that can be imposed on development, such as environmental improvements and amenities as well as affordable homes, as part of moves to try and encourage more building.

And there is no doubt that most developers would prefer to build new homes on green fields. That is where those who can afford it will pay for the privilege of living, and it is easier from a construction point of view to start with a clean slate on an undeveloped site.

Because of this, removing conditions that can be imposed would undoubtedly increase the pace of green space development.

Instead, the Government should be looking at finding ways to encourage builders to bring the huge amount of brown space land that is lying derelict and dormant in Bradford back into use – an issue the Telegraph & Argus has highlighted with its Save Our Green Spaces campaign.

If this latest recommendation were to be accepted by the Government, it would amount to a charter for developers to continue tearing up our countryside – and it would still not address the growing demand for housing which the Council says justifies the 45,000 houses it says the district needs.