There have been stark warnings this week over the pressure on Britain's countryside wrought by the Coalition government's new planning reforms.

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The Campaign for Rural England released a report on Monday presenting evidence that the reforms have put "unprecedented pressure" on the countryside through encouraging "housing, energy, transport and tourism development in hitherto 'protected' areas," CPRE said.

The findings clash with assurances made by the Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles that National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) would be safeguarded under their reforms. Earlier this month, the government came under fire for weakening Village Green protection, used by communities to oppose unwanted planning applications.

Government officials claimed the village green provision, used to protect private property which has public access and is used for recreation, was a 'loophole' which had been abused. However, campaigners seeking to protect common land said government has no evidence to support its claims and denounced the move as a blow to democracy that will lessen local peoples' say in developments that affect them.

CPRE said on Monday that "The Government's agenda for growth is fuelling the number of applications being made for major development in National Parks, AONBs and locally valued landscapes." Prominent environmental campaigners have lambasted senior government figures in recent months for framing environmental protection as the 'enemy of growth'.

Tony Juniper, a respected environmental campaigner, said that the current government has the dubious honour of being the first to preside over a regression on environmental issues in 30 years. He took specific aim at Environment minister Owen Paterson, saying "Paterson's narrative [on green policy] is delivered in true 1970s style. The environment is returned to being the enemy of growth (as if the loss of the former would never affect the latter)."

CPRE has demanded a Parliamentary inquiry to review the impact of development policy in light of its report, which uncovered evidence of over 20 developments deemed to be "threatening the landscape". These include a development of over 500 houses almost entirely within the Kent Downs AONB – home of the White Cliffs of Dover – and major new roads between Sheffield and Manchester – running through the Peak District National Park - and a 20km dual carriageway in the Norfolk countryside.

Shaun Spiers, CPRE Chief Executive said, "On paper designated landscapes have the highest level of protection in planning policy. But as our report today shows, there is growing pressure to approve disastrous development. It is just far too easy for developers to get their way at fatal cost to our precious landscapes.

"Our report provides further clear evidence that the current planning framework is not nearly as robust as it needs to be. We need to strengthen planning policies before it's too late. The nation deserves better protection for its irreplaceable countryside."

The long-standing conservation group pointed out that, far from being a burden and an obstruction to development, National Parks generated £10.4bn turnover in 2012. CPRE wants the government to provide better protection for designated sites such as AONBs and National Parks, and review cuts to their funding in advance of the imminent Spending Review.

Shaun Spiers concluded, "There is a real need for more housing and other development, and no-one wants to embalm the countryside. But development should be carefully planned and guided into the most suitable locations. If they are to remain national treasures, our most beautiful landscapes require stronger planning protection. We will only devalue our land if we pursue growth 'at any cost'."