The Government has today published its response to over 200 recommendations made by the Farming Regulation Task Force [1].

Rural campaigners have welcomed proposals that should mean progress in a number of areas but remain concerned about how changes to planning policy could affect the countryside.

Commenting on the Government’s response, Ian Woodhurst, CPRE’s Senior Farming Campaigner says:

“CPRE is pleased that both the Government and the Task Force clearly recognise the important role well-implemented environmental regulation plays in protecting the countryside's wildlife and much-loved landscapes.

“We are particularly pleased that the Hedgerows Regulations have avoided being weakened and we warmly welcome the Government’s plan to hold a national fly-tipping summit. A number of local CPRE groups are working with farmers to find ways of tackling the growing problem of fly-tipping.

“CPRE has long campaigned for an end to the uncertainty over how the planning system deals with polytunnels so it can tackle concerns over their cumulative impact on local landscapes. We are pleased this campaign is finally bearing fruit and welcome the Government’s undertaking to examine the issue. We look forward to helping to develop a workable solution that supports fruit and veg producers without damaging the character of our countryside.”

“We are very concerned by moves to relax planning controls that could allow farm buildings to be converted to offices, shops, tourist enterprises and leisure facilities with little prior notification or local consultation. The imminent new national planning policies must ensure that development has local consent and is environmentally sustainable.”

End

Notes to Editors
[1] DEFRA, Government Response to the Farming Regulation Task Force, 21/02/2012