PARISH councillors have slammed development controls which stop homeowners in green belt areas from adding lofts to their properties.

Little Marlow parish councillor Barbara Wallis is furious that growing families may have to move because of the 50 per cent rule which stops them getting planning permission for any property changes 'that increases floor space in the original building by over 50 per cent.'

Cllr Wallis said: "It's a disgrace that people who wish to add extra space by adding a loft are denied permission simply because they are in a green belt area."

"It's absurd when one considers that the idea behind the green belt is to stop towns joining together and to prevent urban sprawl. If homeowners build on top of their existing property to provide extra living space for children there is absolutely no fear of this happening."

Cllr Chris Oliver, Wycombe District Council's chairman of the planning, environment and transportation committee, believes enough leeway has already been granted. He said: "Initially no development at all was allowed in belt areas but we took a common sense approach and allowed up to 50% extra floor space, based on how the house stood in 1948. We have considered the position of large homeowners as opposed to those in small cottages and allowances have been made."

"If we start making allowances for particular cases, there's no telling where it would end."