His intervention comes after an increasingly heated row with campaigners who believe the government’s NPPF will lead to urban sprawl in the countryside [see earlier story].

Planning Minister Greg Clark has said he is willing to sit down with the increasing number of opponents and discuss their views, but warned there would be no backing down on the overall thrust of the proposals which include a presumption to grant planning consent unless there is a good reason not to. The presumption in favour of sustainable development has already taken on iconic status for supporters and opponents alike by just being referred to as “The Presumption”.

The NPPF will streamline national planning policy guidance of more than 1,000 pages to just 52 to create more homes and jobs. Opponents fear it will give developers too much say and lead to damaging development in the countryside.

Osborne says in his FT article, "We will fight for jobs, prosperity and the right protection for our countryside........ this is our opportunity to unlock the new investment and new jobs the country needs. We cannot afford to miss it."

ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP COMMENT

Expect a battle. Unlikley to be a U turn.