'LA-style sprawl threatens green belt'

The South-East could "very easily" end up like a sprawling English Los Angeles if the Government's proposed relaxation of planning laws goes ahead, a leading architect warned today.

In an interview with The Times Lord Rogers said the region's green belt would be sacrificed, adding: "We already have cities beginning to merge, it's scary.

"You only need a few houses to link up conurbations."

He urged the Government to make the most of existing cities instead and "bring life" back to derelict buildings.