Harriett Baldwin has gained a commitment from the Government that top-quality farming land will be protected under new planning proposals. The MP quizzed Planning Minister Greg Clark on plans to protect Category 1 agricultural land from development. In a statement to the House of Commons the Minister confirmed that the best quality farming land would be protected from development under the new locally-developed plans. Harriett Baldwin commented: “I have had a number of constituents raise this issue with me and I was keen to seek reassurance from the Minster. “It would be a crying shame to lose top quality farming land to housing and it is important that we protect this land in order to maintain food security and sustainability.” FULL TEXT Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): In those discussions with heritage organisations, was the Minister able to clarify whether local plans will be able to designate grade I agricultural land with a specific value? Greg Clark: Prime agricultural land will continue to be protected under the NPPF. | Hansard