CPRE responds to David Cameron’s letters on planning

In response to letters from the Prime Minister to the National Trust and to a range of environmental and conservation organisations, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England surrounding his Government’s planning reforms, Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive of CPRE says:

"It is good to hear the Prime Minister make clear the he regards the British landscape as a national treasure which needs to be cherished and protected for everyone’s benefit. CPRE is clear that this applies to the whole of the countryside, not just to designated areas, and this should be made clear in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

"CPRE’s concerns about the NPPF are far reaching. As it stands, it will not save money, will not reduce planning delays or aid sustainable economic growth. What it will do is damage the countryside and hamper the ability of communities to protect the places they love, whether in town or country.

"The Prime Minister’s assurances are welcome and we look forward to renewed and more constructive discussions with Ministers to improve the draft planning framework. But the changes required are likely to be so far-reaching that there should be a further brief consultation on a substantially revised draft."