BURY North MP David Chaytor has signed a Commons Motion expressing concern that one speculative developer is acquiring various areas of green belt land throughout the country.

Once purchased, they are divided into small marketable plots.

Mr Chaytor said: "There is a fear that these plots will not be farmed and become unsightly in the cynical hope that this will make the grant of planning permission for residential property more likely.

"To prevent this, councils should consider all options open to them including compulsory purchase if necessary.

"Such speculators should be made fully aware that green belt land will not be developed in this way and therefore their investment would be fruitless."