CPRE hopes to play matchmaker for the countryside

8 February 2006

On 14 February, proposals for massive development in the Government’s London-Peterborough ‘growth area’ will be debated at a public hearing into the draft regional Plan [1] for the East of England.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [2] will be at the hearing, arguing that housebuilding plans need to respect environmental limits if we are to keep the region’s superb countryside and safeguard historic towns and villages. Members of the public will also be there, in a show of concern over the proposals [3].

‘We’re deeply worried about the Government’s proposals,’ says Henry Oliver, CPRE’s Head of Planning.

‘As they stand, the proposals threaten landscape, wildlife and communities [4]. We don’t believe the region has to develop this way. That’s why, this Valentine’s Day, we will be at the hearing trying to secure what we think is a perfect match: protected countryside and a good quality of life for people.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The draft East of England Plan, the regional spatial strategy which will determine development in the region to 2021, has been reviewed through an Examination in Public (EiP) since November. On 14 and 15 February, independent planning inspectors will listen to views about the proposals for the ‘growth area’ stretching from London, through Essex and Hertfordshire, to Peterborough. The ‘growth area’ is one of four set out in the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan. More information about the EiP can be found on the website of the regional assembly (www.eera.gov.uk). The EiP is being held at the Spirella Ballroom in Letchworth.

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.

3. Stop Harlow North is a local group concerned about plans to build on Green Belt land north of Harlow. The group has organised a public show of support for Green Belt for 14 February, asking people to appear outside the EiP venue in Letchworth at 9 am. For more information, visit the group’s website: www.stopharlownorth.com

4. The draft plan contains proposals for highly damaging growth on an enormous scale, including 478,000 new homes by 2021, industrial and business development and at least 60 road schemes. Effects could include irreversible damage to beautiful and historic landscapes; development of large swathes of Green Belt land, especially around Harlow, Luton and Cambridge; loss of habitats and wildlife; over-stretched water resources - in the driest region in Britain; vastly increased levels of road traffic, worsening already bad congestion and contributing to climate change; worse air quality; widespread damage to recreation and tourism assets; and irreparable harm to the character of historic cities, villages and towns.

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