Take action
More countryside lost to development. Photo: © CPRE
Ask your MP to oppose changes to planning that would pave the way for damaging development in the countryside
Current Government plans to reform regional planning are strongly focused on delivering economic growth and massive housing numbers at any cost.
This will happen through the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill, which is going through Parliament at the moment. This legislation may sound innocuous and obscure, but it could have serious effects on our ability to prevent developments from spreading into the countryside we value.
We need your help to ensure that future plans protect the countryside, wildlife habitats and the character of our towns, and prevent urban sprawl. Help us campaign to ensure that proposed changes to regional planning place equal weight on environmental, social and economic issues.
We've made this easy for you by creating an online letter which you can easily edit.
> Email your MP
Your views on the New National Policy Statements
If you are concerned about a potential major infrastructure project in your area, the new Planning Act means that it will become crucially important to get involved early. New National Policy Statements on all types of major energy and transport projects are being written by Government departments.
You will have the most scope to make your views known at the National Policy Statement stage. The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will have to make decisions on individual project proposals in line with the relevant National Policy Statement, and will have wide-ranging powers to control discussion at public inquiries. There will still be scope for the public to give oral evidence at inquiries, but this will be much more limited than before.
You can help us ensure that National Policy Statements support protecting the countryside, wildlife habitats and the character of our towns. Your views through emails, letters or meetings with MPs could make a real difference.
How you can influence planning
Our Planning Help website aims to help local communities and the public influence local planning decisions.
Join us or make a donation
Join CPRE and become a member of a dynamic network of 60,000 other people helping to protect our countryside.
> Join us or make a donation
Get involved with a local CPRE branch or regional group
CPRE has 200 district groups, 43 branches and 9 regional groups across England – many of whom are working on this campaign.
> Local and regional groups
Sign up to Campaigns Update – e-newsletter
Each month, you'll receive our Campaigns Update telling you about our successes and struggles in campaigning for England's beautiful countryside. Get the inside story on what CPRE is up to and how you might be able to help us.
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