Countryside campaigners have warned that plans to promote a 'super region' between the East and West Midlands could pose a serious threat to the environment.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England said plans for a "Midlands way" to compete with the growth plans for the South-east and northern regions must take greater account of the impact the development would have on the environment.
The plans are being put together by regional development agencies and regional assemblies to promote economic growth.
The draft proposals, entitled Smart Growth, are currently out to consultation and include improving transport links between east and west, boosting employment opportunities, and raising productivity.
But the CPRE warned that the current proposals paid scant regard to the needs of environmental improvements across the regions.
It also fears large-scale road widening between the two regions - once widely condemned for concentrating too much on cars - could be resurrected, taking money away from public transport. The schemes could include widening the M42/A42 and the A38.
