Specially protected beauty spots are under threat from developers as never before because of an "assault on the rules", according to countryside campaigners.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) published a list of nine "jewels in the crown" which the group said were, or could be, under threat from the diggers.
The nine - all either in national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) - include the A590 Low Newton bypass in the Lake District, which is already under way, a proposed race track in Devon affecting the Blackdown Hills AONB, and a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion FC and transport interchange at Falmer, within the Sussex Downs AONB.
The list includes a number of developments set to be the subject of planning inquiries with others already approved or awaiting decisions.
Tom Oliver, head of rural policy at the CPRE said: "The whole basis on which the nation's most beautiful countryside is there to be enjoyed by us all is called into question by a series of damaging proposals.
"Protected landscapes are only protected to the extent that the Government and local authorities obey their own rules.
"Time and again, it appears that the Government or a local council is tearing up the rules when a significant conflict arises between one of our finest landscapes and another interest.
"We have to ask, 'What is the point of having laws that protect our precious countryside if they are ignored when it really matters?'
"Threat has already become reality with work starting on the A590 High and Low Newton Bypass this month," he said.
"The bypass got the go-ahead despite running for its entire length through the Lake District National Park," he added.
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