The MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough is also defending green belt land around Leeds – urging the city council to build on brown field sites instead.

Stuart Andrew (pictured) has written to Leeds City Council to say that their consideration of building on green belt land is totally unacceptable.

Mr Andrew said: “Over the past 10 or 20 years, every part of my constituency has been affected by mass overdevelopment and it's totally unacceptable that the council are looking at green belt when there are areas across the city that could be regenerated and supply the housing that is needed.

“I want the council to tell me, in detail, how they arrived at the figures that they have done for their five-year housing plan because at present these figures are too high and unrealistic.

“Of course there is a need for additional housing in Leeds and there are numerous brown field sites that can be used. It is time for an ambitious vision for the future in respect of our city’s housing needs instead of unacceptable plans that will take away our much loved essential green areas forever.”