The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [1] warned today (Wednesday) that the heavy hand of Government threatens to undermine urban regeneration and protection of the countryside. Rejecting the Regional Assembly’s proposal for 365,000 homes in the next 20-years, the Government is now seeking to increase that figure to up to 420,000 new dwellings.

Although it is not clear that such large numbers of houses will actually be needed or that infrastructure can be built to support them, the Government seems determined to press ahead.

It will appoint its own consultants, riding a coach and horses through the Assembly’s consultation process. This resulted in an unprecedented press release from the Assembly challenging the Government’s actions.

What is clear on the ground is that, despite the Government’s reassurances, the only way such high allocations can be achieved is for local authorities to allow even more building on greenfield land, and potentially Green Belt. This, in turn, could undermine development in our towns and cities, particularly of the higher quality homes needed to encourage balanced urban regeneration.

CPRE have argued that even the 365,000 homes proposed by the Assembly are too many. [2] A figure of 285,000 homes in the region would be better able to ensure we concentrate on proven need and on providing the right kind of housing in the right place. However, as the numbers increase beyond that the environmental compromises can grow dramatically. This latest hike demonstrates that the Government has given up on regeneration and is now simply playing a numbers game with little regard for consequences.

Gerald Kells, Regional Policy Officer from CPRE, said:

‘We are extremely concerned about this housing hike. The aim of concentrating on urban regeneration and not creating unsustainable new housing estates in the countryside is already at breaking point in the region. Bumping up the numbers will mean more badly located greenfield houses.  This will do little to provide the affordable homes we need or to reduce congestion and the other negative impacts of the current exodus from our cities.

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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. CPRE press release West Midlands Assembly Must Resist Excessive Housing in the Countryside dated 6 June www.cpre.org.uk/news/view/401