Disappointingly the Government has stuck to its targets for very high rates of growth and development in the South East region [1]. This is despite the clearly expressed views of residents, that development pressures must be moderated. Such rates of growth will change the face of the region and damage the environment, countryside and quality of life.

This is the view of the CPRE [2] following the launch of the Government’s proposed changes to the South East Plan [3] today (Thursday).

CPRE South East Director, Edward Dawson said:

‘Housing something like a million people over the next 20 years in the South East may be a challenge too far.  We are concerned about the sheer scale of the development proposed, and its impact on the countryside and quality of life.

‘Of course, we recognise the need for new housing, and support development and housing of the right kind in the right place.  For example, major housing development south west of Reading in mid Berkshire is a welcome key proposal, which we supported at the independent Public Examination [4]. This will provide new housing, while protecting countryside south of the M4.

‘Affordable housing in villages is also often needed to help young people establish themselves and to help secure vibrant rural communities. However, housing development will not, of itself, solve the problems of the region, such as a lack of affordable housing and continuing pockets of deprivation.

‘But there must be a limit to urban expansion in the South East region whose natural environment is already suffering from unsustainable pressures. For example, based on current levels of housing and water use, the region could be short of one billion litres of drinkable water a day if we don't change our approach to water resources. [5]’

Edward Dawson concluded:

‘Such high levels of housing development are not sustainable. [6] The consequent pressures on infrastructure, such as transport and water, and the land, including the risk of losing large areas of valued countryside and Green Belt, would be intolerable. This poses a major threat to the quality of life of all those who live in the region.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The South East region covers Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It is second only to London in terms of Gross Domestic Product per head, but lacking London’s large concentrations of poverty and deprivation it is, overall, the most prosperous and growth-pressurised region of England.

2. 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.

3.  The South East Plan can be found at www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/southeastplan/index.html and sets out a vision for the future of the region up to 2026. The first draft strategy was published in January 2005 and went through a public consultation. The Plan replaces the Regional Planning Guidance (RPG9). The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has now published her proposed changes for consultation. The consultation can be accessed at http://gose.limehouse.co.uk/portal and will be available for comment until 24 October 2008. 

4. The draft Plan was considered at an Examination in Public by a Panel of inspectors from November 2006 to March 2007. The Panel was appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and chaired by Corinne Swain OBE, MA(Cantab), MPhil, FRTPI. The Panel’s report was published in August 2007. The proposal for a Strategic Development Area south west of Reading (also known as Kennet Valley Park) was endorsed by the Panel. For further information see www.eipsoutheast.co.uk.

5. CPRE South East published a Water Strategy for the South East in September 2007. Available from: www.cprese.org.uk/campaigns/water/water_strategy_for_the_southeast.pdf.

6. The draft Plan originally proposed a target rate of 28,900 houses per year up to 2026. The independent Panel Report recommended a 10% increase to 32,000 houses a year. Under the Government’s proposals this target has now been increased to 33,125 homes per year which equates to 662,500 new homes in the region by 2026.