1990s

New planning guidance curbs the spread of out-of-town shopping development and encourages town centre development.
Photo: © CPRE

1990
The Government's first-ever Environment White Paper accepted the case for statutory hedgerow protection — 20 years after CPRE's campaign was launched.

1991
The Planning and Compensation Act 1991 accepted CPRE's view that more weight should be given to agreed local planning policies; and required country-wide coverage of county structure and district-wide local plans — ending the Government's threat to abolish county structure plans.

1992
Official Planning Guidance incorporated the principle of sustainable development for the first time, in line with CPRE submissions.

1994
In landmark new planning guidance, the Government endorsed the role of the planning system in helping reduce car dependence and the need to travel.

CPRE's Urban Footprints campaign highlighted the crucial relationship between town and country and the benefits to be won for both from sensitive urban regeneration.

1995
Legislation to protect hedgerows and give independence to National Parks — both longstanding CPRE campaigns — was passed in The Environment Act 1995.

CPRE published pioneering Tranquillity Maps showing how tranquil areas where people could 'get away from it all' had been shattered by new development and increased traffic in just thirty years.

1996
New planning guidance curbs the spread of out-of-town shopping development and encourages town centre development.

CPRE launched its campaign against the rising tide of clutter in rural areas — from telecommunications masts to burgeoning roadside tourist signs.

1997
CPRE's income and expenditure exceed £2.5 million for the first time and its National Office has more than 40 staff.

1998
CPRE steps up its campaigning for an urban renaissance with a leaflet on the benefits of city living — Going to Town — and a landmark report on the mass movement of people out of our largest towns and cities — Urban Exodus.

1999
Lord Rogers' Government-appointed Urban Task Force, which had substantial CPRE input, publishes its influential report on achieving an urban renaissance — which would helpprotect the countryside.

Government announces two new National Parks for the South Downs and the New Forest.