New cabinet must face triple threat of housing, nature & climate crises

Commenting on the cabinet reshuffle, Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

‘Our countryside faces challenges like never before. We simply don’t have time for disjointed policy where one department’s good work is undermined by damaging decisions in another. That’s why we need bold and decisive leadership from the government’s top team to truly face up to the triple threat of the housing, nature and climate crises, especially ahead of the COP26 climate summit.’

On the appointment of Michael Gove to the role of Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government:

‘We welcome Michael Gove as the new housing secretary at this watershed moment for planning. With his past experience as environment secretary, we hope and expect him to champion local communities, nature and climate as his department drafts the new Planning Bill. That means securing the voice of local people in planning decisions, holding developers to affordable housing targets, an to end land banking, and protecting our local green spaces and countryside by reusing previously developed land first.’

For further information, case studies or to interview a spokesperson, please contact Jonathan Jones, CPRE Media Relations Lead, 020 7981 2819 / 078 3529 1907.