BROMSGROVE will be one of a select number of councils to receive a cash boost to combat illegal building on its greenbelt land.

The Government announced that 37 councils would be receiving a total of up to £50,000 each to help with the clampdown.

Bromsgrove is set to receive the full allocation of £50,000, a significant boost in the effort to prevent illegal developments.

The monies are specifically for planning enforcement matters relating to tackling unauthorised and illegal traveller encampment matters in the Green Belt. 

The Government is also planning to throw out existing guidelines on shutting down illegal building - replacing it with a tougher approach signed off by experts.

It is hoped that by ensuring that all the latest measures are well-funded and applied before a shovel hits the ground it will give local residents greater peace of mind.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid said: "This cash-boost is fantastic news for Bromsgrove residents. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by so much beautiful green-belt, however unfortunately this makes us a prime-target for those who seek to illegally develop.

“As I know from my experience as a resident and MP, these developments can be a real blight on small communities.”

The MP added: “Increased funding to tackle this issue is welcome news and I congratulate Bromsgrove District Council on securing this cash-boost.”

Bromsgrove District Council applied for the funding in August of this year and was announced as a successful applicant last week.