Labour has been urged to slash red tape to allow more trees to be planted on high streets and other urban areas. Tory MP Aphra Brandreth warned that the planting of trees is being "blocked by counterproductive bureaucracy".

She is calling for the Government to issue guidance or amend the Highways Act, which sets out rules on tree planting near roads. In an essay for the Conservative Environment Network, Ms Brandreth said: "At present, well-meaning legislation designed to protect our roads and surrounding infrastructure is being misinterpreted.

"Its unnecessary complexity has led to sensible planting of greenery being blocked by counterproductive bureaucracy.

"This includes outside of homes, workplaces, and in existing green spaces, with many well-intentioned local authorities adopting overly cautious interpretations of the law."

She said the Highways Act "includes requirements to maintain free-flowing roads that can be, and are often, misinterpreted to block planting surrounding highways and nearby infrastructure".

She added: "The lack of clear guidance from central or local government compounds the challenges of roadside planting."

Ms Brandreth argued that the "benefits of greater urban greenery go well beyond aesthetics".

She said trees on streets help improve beauty, nature and protect against flooding.

She said: "Greener towns and cities are healthier, safer, and more prosperous.

"They strengthen community pride, support local economies, and help our streets adapt to the pressures of climate change and urban growth, making the better integration of nature into development a practical necessity.

"The current Labour Government’s approach risks reinforcing the very problems people have long associated with the planning system: top down targets, the marginalisation of local voices, and decisions imposed from Whitehall.

"A more sustainable approach would prioritise gentle density in appropriate locations, while improving access to nature within existing settlements.

"Access to nature should not be treated as an optional extra in the planning system.

"It is fundamental to the prosperous, healthy and beautiful country we want to build. Britain will continue to grow and we will need more homes. By cutting back unnecessary red tape, clarifying the rules, and trusting and empowering communities to shape greener development, we can ensure that nature continues to make us proud to call Britain home."