CPRE joins call to protect National Parks from rumoured government rollback

Reports suggest that the government is considering amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that could limit planning restrictions within National Parks.

The amendments to the bill could see the removal of the Protected Landscapes duty; a move that over 170 organisations across the UK have warned would open the door to damaging development in some of the country’s most treasured landscapes.

This could not have come at a worse time; it would be a monumental step back from the strengthened National Parks law implemented by the previous government.

CPRE has long campaigned for strong protections for England’s National Parks and the countryside. Following the news, we signed the joint letter to the Prime Minister calling for a firm commitment that these vital protections will remain in place.

Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive of CPRE, said:

‘Rolling back protections for our most treasured landscapes would be an astounding move from the government. Even in its current form, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a critical threat to nature. If the government goes ahead with these amendments, our finest landscapes will also be at risk. What hope will there be for the rest of the countryside?’