CHANGES to let councils build on the Green Belt if they offer up substitute land could help solve Oxford’s housing crisis, an MP has claimed.

Andrew Smith welcomed proposals being considered by the Government for so-called ‘land swaps’, which are expected to be included in an upcoming white paper.

It would mean Green Belt could be built on if councils offer to designate other land as Green Belt to replace it.

The proposal is likely to face stiff opposition from countryside campaigners, but Mr Smith insisted there was ‘no way’ to tackle the city’s chronic housing shortage ‘without some change’.

He said: “We have to face reality, or we will be condemned to increasing homelessness, rocketing rents and house prices which are damaging to people’s welfare and our economy.

“If we want to solve our terrible housing crisis, the Green Belt is something that has to be looked at and I hope the Government grasps the nettle.”

He also stressed the suggestion was ‘not about building all over our beautiful countryside, adding: “I value the beautiful setting of Oxford as much as anyone and I would not support indiscriminate building.

“It has got to be carefully planned and be supported by the transport infrastructure and facilities we need.

“We have to create sustainable communities, not just plonking down concrete and housing.”

His comments came after Sajid Javid, the Communities Secretary, gave his strongest hint yet that ministers could relax the rules governing the Green Belt.

Speaking to the National House Building Council, he said Westminster politicians should not stop councils want to build on the protected land after looking at ‘all the options’.

Mr Javid referred to a decision to do so in Birmingham, adding: “It’s fundamentally a local decision made by local people.

“They want to build homes for their children and grandchildren.

“And Westminster politicians should not stand in the way of that.”