Countryside campaigners, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [1], fear the increase in new housing proposed by the Government for Yorkshire and the Humber based on unproven, aspirational economic growth forecasts will put a huge strain on the region, posing a threat to the environment and quality of life.

From next year, Yorkshire and the Humber will be required to find space for 22,140 new homes each year [2]. This will mean nearly half a million new homes within the next 20 years – almost twice that originally proposed by the Regional Assembly in 2005. These figures are partly based on a projected increase in the number of new jobs in the region to 29,000 a year: 53% more than two years ago.

CPRE believes there is no guarantee that growth in jobs numbers on that scale will happen.  However, local councils will be required to plan for this growth and allocate land to accommodate the forecasted additional people moving into the region. With so much land allocated, we face the prospect, in some areas, of developers cherry picking greenfield sites. This is of particular concern in West Yorkshire where the Green Belt is under threat from an extra 4,500 new houses each year from 2008.

We question the logic of creating jobs designed to attract people from outside the region with the resultant pressure on services and a demand for yet more new houses. Little provision appears to have been made for additional infrastructure needed to support new homes, such as schools, health and leisure facilities. This will place a strain on existing facilities.

John Hoare, CPRE chair for CPRE Yorkshire and the Humber said:

‘We question the basis of the Government’s predictions.  There is ample land already allocated for housebuilding for at least five years ahead and builders hold large land banks.  We challenge the idea that local authorities should be forced to allocate land now to meet possible demand 20 years ahead instead of regularly reviewing and updating their plans, as they do now, according to changing circumstances, and we fear the environmental consequences in terms of damage to the countryside if these proposals go ahead.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. 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: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2. For further information on The Yorkshire and Humber Plan: The Draft Revised Regional Spatial Strategy incorporating the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes go to: http://www.goyh.gov.uk/497763/docs/199734/199799/409310/599436/599441