Andrew Mitchell MP has been joined by members of Sutton Coldfield’s Civic Society to walk on Sutton’s Green Belt in an effort to demonstrate that if the proposals to build on this vast open space are approved by the Labour-controlled City Council this land will be lost forever. The group walked from Withy Hill Road to Chase Farm, a route chosen by local historian, Roger Lea. This was part of a route mapped out more than twenty years ago although some of this route is already no longer accessible due to recent housebuilding. Andrew Mitchell MP, said “The group today thoroughly enjoyed our walk across the Green Belt, as did Scarlet, my Welsh Springer Spaniel. The Green Belt in Sutton prevents urban sprawl and if it was to be built upon it would destroy the character of Sutton. “I know that many people in Sutton share the great concern of me and your local Conservative Councillors and I have and will continue to argue that all legitimate alternatives must be explored as once this undeveloped land is built on we can never get back.” Following the walk Elizabeth Allison BEM, Chairman of the Civic Society said “This bit of Green Belt is not taboo; people can walk across it and enjoy the open spaces. There are many interesting sites along the way. The Greenbelt should be kept for its original purpose which is to prevent urban sprawl. This is a nice walk that is open to people and it would be a terrible shame to lose it.\'\' Birmingham City Council is expected to consult on the final version of the Birmingham Development Plan, prior to its submission to the Planning Inspectorate for examination later in 2013.