The Government’s very high household projections should not be used as housebuilding targets in Shropshire, an environmental campaign group warned today.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England is publishing a report which critiques the projections across the county and the West Midlands region. Phase 2 of the Regional Spatial Strategy Review has been considering the need for additional housing in the area.

The Government’s modifications are expected in the new year.

It has consistently argued for net housing figures of over 400,000 for the region, compared to 365,000 recommended by the Regional Assembly and 285,000 which CPRE believes could be achievable sustainably.

The Panel Report following this year’s Examination in Public suggests a figure of 397,900. CPRE warns planning for housing should not be based on the assumption that past trends will continue but by using “realistic and evidenced data”.

The organisation says the levels of housing the Government has been seeking to impose in the West Midlands threatens many green areas around its towns and cities and the related environment.

It is instead calling for an objective-led approach to housing, which takes greater account of environmental impacts and is more responsive to changing circumstances.

Gerald Kells, regional policy officer for CPRE in the West Midlands, said: “Yes, we need to build more homes in the West Midlands, especially affordable housing, but we also need to devote space to producing food and energy, and allow people to access and enjoy open and unspoilt countryside.

“Planning for housing is fraught with uncertainties. They should not be used as rigid targets. The countryside of the West Midlands, whether around Bromsgro- ve, Coventry, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Hereford or Stafford, is far too precious to be thrown away without good cause.

“We need a fresh approach to planning for housing whi- ich is flexible and responsive to evidence of environmental impacts and substantiated future demographic trends.” CPRE launched 2026 – A Vision for the Countryside in May.