Countryside campaigners, CPRE [1], have welcomed a number of recommendations in the Government’s Proposed Changes to the East Midlands Regional Plan [2] published today (Tuesday). But serious threats to the region’s countryside remain.

Welcome proposals include:

• the retention of Nottingham’s Green Belt which had been threatened by earlier recommendations made by an independent Panel of Inspectors [3];

• a new policy on rural affordable housing which will help address the problems of disadvantage experienced in many of the region’s rural areas; and

• retention of measures to promote public transport, walking and cycling.

However, large areas of Green Belt and countryside throughout the East Midlands are still threatened by proposals for major urban expansion to meet unrealistically high housing targets. [4]

The Government’s housing figures, which are imposed on the region, mean over half a million new homes could be built within the next 20 years. CPRE considers this figure unsustainable because the region’s infrastructure, including transport, sewerage and water supply, is already badly stretched.

The housing figures could potentially be increased further by one or two new eco-towns in the region, plans for which have been roundly condemned by local residents, local councils and the Regional Assembly. [5]

Lisa Hopkinson, CPRE Regional Policy Officer said:

‘We are delighted the Government has recognised the particular problems of providing affordable housing in many rural areas. But, the overall housing figures still threaten large areas of the region’s countryside and in turn quality of life of its residents.’

Disappointingly the Government has also rejected a road traffic reduction target for the East Midlands. [6] Bettina Lange, Regional Policy Officer at CPRE commented:

‘Despite a number of good measures on traffic reduction the Government has rejected a much needed road traffic reduction target. The region has the fastest growing levels of road traffic in the country, which contributes to noise, air pollution, climate change and increased risk of death and injury. A road traffic reduction target is essential for the East Midlands.’

CPRE East Midlands will launch a public campaign encouraging the public to respond to the consultation [7] to ensure that the proposals in the final Plan protect and enhance the region’s countryside.

 – END –

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.

2. The draft East Midlands Regional Plan (or Regional Spatial Strategy) was issued by the East Midlands Regional Assembly in December 2006. This plan covers Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Following extensive consultation it underwent an independent Examination in Public in summer 2007. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has now considered the report from the Examination in Public and published her Proposed Changes to the draft Plan for consultation. The Government’s proposed changes to the RSS can be viewed at www.goem.gov.uk.

3. An independent Panel of Inspectors examined the draft Plan in summer 2007. Following this they published their Panel Report in November 2007. This Report made recommendations for changes, including deletion of three sides of the Nottingham Green Belt, and is available at: http://www.gos.gov.uk/497296/docs/229865/Panel_Report.pdf.

4. The Regional Plan sets housing numbers for the region up to the year 2026. The draft Regional Plan proposed an average provision of 20,418 dwellings per annum (dpa) between 2006-26, itself a 30% increase over housing targets (15,925 dpa) in the previous Plan. The Government’s Proposed Changes suggest an even higher target of 21,750 dpa, a 7% increase over the draft Plan or 37% increase over the previous Plan.

5. Eco-towns have been proposed at Pennbury, Leicester and Newton, Nottingham. A third plan at Manby/Strubby in Lincolnshire was voted down by the local council.

6.  The Draft Plan proposed a zero traffic growth target across the region by the end of the Plan Period. The Panel suggested that this target should be revised or abandoned, and recommended that a comprehensive reappraisal of the regional transport strategy should be undertaken.

7. The Proposed Changes are open for consultation for 12 weeks until 17 October 2008.  After considering the responses the Government will publish the final version of the East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy.