Based on its recent population growth, and sheer size of green space around the Surrey town, Guildford has been ranked as the most-at-risk area according to Herts Tools.

The cherry picker specialist commissioned the study to assess where green belts in England, which takes up just 13% of land in the country, could be at risk of development.

The rankings are based on areas with both the fastest population growth and the largest areas of land as yet undeveloped.

In the past decade, Guildford’s population has increased 9.63% and its green belt space consists of 22,636 hectares.

This was closely followed by Chorley which had population growth of 10.48% over this period and 14,560 hectares of green belt — Thurrock was third with 11.39% and 11,672 hectares respectively.

The 10th most at risk green belt area was Tewkesbury, where the population has grown 13.58% in the past decade but there is only 5,533 hectares of green belt land.

Commenting on these findings, Herts Tools highlighted the context that between 2009 and 2018 nearly 65,000 new homes were approved on green belt land.

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“Construction work can affect the environment in a number of different ways, from threatening wildlife habitats to polluting the surroundings with industrial waste,” said Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and director of Ark Wildlife, commenting on the findings.

“Construction practices in green belt areas contribute to the removal of natural habitats. This affects the diversity of individual species and prevents the occupation of a wider range of habitats.

“This is particularly important to address in green belt spaces which are designed to preserve wildlife habitats and stop urban over-expansion.”

The UK’s housing shortage has become an increasingly prominent issue in recent weeks due to the general election.

All major parties have made commitments to deliver new homes if elected, but with different approaches with regards to the green belt.

While the Conservatives have affirmed a ‘cast iron’ commitment to protect the green belt, Labour’s manifesto promised a “strategic approach” to development on this land.