Countryside Endangered By Ruth Kelly’s East Of England Development Boost

19 December 2006

Countryside campaigners fear the Government is only paying lip service to environmental concerns in its changes to the East of England Plan, published today (19 December). [1]

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [2] says new guidelines on carbon dioxide emissions and renewable energy are welcome.

But the Government’s insistence on an extra 30,000 homes on top of the 478,000 maximum proposed by the East of England Regional Assembly for the period 2001 to 2021 can only increase emissions and threats to the Green Belt.

That increase alone is equivalent in size to Harlow new town, and will mean the region will have to find space for more than half a million new homes over two decades.

The changes come in modifications to the East of England Plan made by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

There will now be twelve weeks of public consultation on these changes to the Plan before this critical planning document for one of England’s most pressurised regions is finalised.

‘The inclusion of a new chapter in the East of England Plan on carbon dioxide emissions and renewable energy shows the Government has taken the Stern review on climate change into account to a degree,’ said Lawrence Wragg, Chairman of CPRE in the East of England.

‘However, Government’s failure to accept that there are limits to development if we are not going to destroy our environment and quality of life totally contradicts their commitment to environmental issues. As does their continued support of a second Stansted runway.’

CPRE is also concerned about further attacks on the Green Belt, which it says will lead to greater urban sprawl, coalescence of villages and loss of countryside character, particularly around the new towns in Hertfordshire and Harlow in Essex.

Ruth Kelly’s changes call for some Green Belt to be sacrificed around Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, Welwyn and Hatfield, but the overall area of Green Belt in the region to be increased by extensions in North and East Hertfordshire.

Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Chelmsford have all been singled out, in Ms Kelly’s modifications, for increased growth. Harlow will also grow very substantially, including over the surrounding Green Belt countryside.

CPRE is also concerned about the requirement for an early review of the Plan, which the Government says is needed for several reasons – including taking account of the East of England’s relationship with London.

‘This sounds like a coded message suggesting the region should absorb even greater London overspill and increased levels of commuting,’ said Lawrence Wragg.

‘The Sustainability Appraisal which accompanies these proposed Government changes highlights the urgent need to address water resources, waste management and transport issues.

‘This is a missed opportunity. We urge people who are concerned about the East of England’s environment and quality of life to use the consultation period to give their views in the strongest terms.’

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities, has published for public consultation her Proposed Changes to the East of England Plan together with the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Directive Assessment of the Proposed Changes. The Plan was originally drawn up by the East of England Regional Assembly and has been subject to a lengthy Examination in Public before an independent Panel who also recommended changes.

2. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Sir Max Hastings. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

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