Time is running out to save the Oxfordshire countryside from sweeping reforms to the planning system which would give developers the go-ahead to build on unprotected greenfield sites across the county.

With this threat hanging over local communities, the National Trust is also warning that now is not the time for councils to be making cuts in their planning teams.

There is now just a fortnight left in which to sign a National Trust petition, calling on the Coalition Government to withdraw its proposed ‘National Planning Policy Framework’ and to put people – not profit – back at the heart of the planning system.

Members of the public can sign online at nationaltrust.org.uk/ planning, or in person at NT properties such as Chastleton, Grey’s Court and Great Coxwell Barn.

The petition will be handed to Government ministers by October 17, when a public consultation on the reforms ends.

Under the new proposals, only councils with agreed local development plans will be able to refuse development on Greenfield sites.

Research has shown just 47 per cent of local authorities have such plans, while alarming figures show that planning departments in Oxfordshire local authorities, including Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, are facing significant staff and budget cuts.

With councils not adequately prepared local communities will be left at a huge disadvantage in the planning process.

HILARY McGRADY director, National Trust, Oxfordshire