Chiltern District Council is one of 37 councils to receive part of a £2 million investment to crack down on illegal developments on the nation’s Green Belt.

Announced by Housing Minister Esther McVey MP, the council will be able to use the money to hire additional enforcement officers, help meet the legal costs for prosecuting developers for illegal developments and introduce new technology to help track offenders.

Chiltern will get up to £50,000 to help with the clampdown.

The Housing Minister Esther McVey MP said: “Once the Green Belt is built on it’s often gone for good that’s why we are determined to protect it. The public in the South East have told us loud and clear they want it kept for future generations to enjoy.

“The funding announced today will help councils like Chiltern clamp down on rogue developers, giving the areas with the highest levels of Green Belt the funds needed to punish those who build illegally.”

Councils will be receiving cash from the Planning Delivery Fund – a one off cash boost to assist with the costs of tackling development in areas with significant areas of Green Belt land.