Ben Stafford, head of campaigns at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, discusses its hopes for the English countryside following the election.
Please view a copy of the CPRE manifesto.
In a general election campaign, some issues always get an airing. Quite rightly, the economy, public services and crime are being debated, as are the qualities of those vying to be prime minister, as the main contenders compete in the weekly debates.
But some topics just seem to drop off the agenda, even though they are important to many voters. In recent elections – apart from 2001, when Foot and Mouth Disease affected the timing of the poll – the natural environment, and how to protect and enhance it, has received very little attention, although we are encouraged that all of the main parties seem to be saying more in their manifestoes about these issues this time.
Ahead of this election, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) produced its own 'manifesto', setting out what we think the next government should do for the countryside. We want our vision to inspire voters, and candidates, in countryside, town and city. Democratic planning for new energy infrastructure, the protection of our most beautiful landscapes, and of the precious green belts around our towns and cities, and strong action to tackle the blight of litter and fly-tipping would, we believe, improve everyone's quality of life.
Too often, our political leaders have portrayed the planning system as an irksome brake on progress, stopping vital development. In fact, it's the best way to ensure that decisions on major development take all issues – including the environment and the views of local people – into account. We need the next generation of politicians to fly the flag for a strong, plan-led process for siting the new energy infrastructure we need to cut our carbon footprint in a way that respects the local environment.
The next government should be adamant that our National Parks – stunning landscapes like the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor and the South Downs – are no-go areas for intrusive development. These are our most majestic and inspiring areas of countryside; a source of relaxation to countless visitors. Let's make sure they stay that way, and that politicians say an emphatic 'no' to proposals that threaten their beauty. And while we're at it, let's complete some unfinished business, and give the same level of protection to the Howgills – the land between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.
And what about the wider countryside, not protected like National Parks, but still full of surprising treasures and startling beauty? Isn't it a shame that so much of it is needlessly scarred by litter and fly-tipping, the by-product of the thoughtlessness of a relatively small number of people? Our politicians should give a national lead in tackling litter. CPRE wants to see a change of culture, so everyone recognises that littering is unacceptable, antisocial – and criminal – behaviour. A clean, beautiful countryside will be a worthwhile prize.
