Our response to Rachel Reeves’ speech on ‘kick starting’ the UK economy

In her speech on the government’s plan for economic growth this morning, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms backing for a third runway at Heathrow, alongside other announcements on zonal planning, infrastructure and the planning system.

Roger Mortlock, CEO at CPRE, said:

On airport expansion

The single biggest threat to the countryside is climate change. If the government expands Heathrow, Luton, City and Gatwick airports, the increase in carbon emissions will make a mockery of its commitment to reaching net zero by 2030.

Airport expansion will do nothing to boost the UK’s economy. There has been no net increase in air travel for business purposes or in jobs on air transport since 2007. Recent research from the New Economic Foundation shows that airport expansion will drive significant tourism revenue abroad, not bring it to the UK. To create the jobs of the future, we need investment in low-carbon industries and transport, not more unsustainable expansion of the UK’s airports.

CPRE local groups in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, London and Sussex have been at the forefront of campaigns to prevent further airport expansion. If implemented, these proposals would have a devastating impact on some of the UK’s most valuable agricultural land, vital wildlife habitats and green spaces close to millions of people’s homes.

On the Lower Thames Crossing

The proposed Lower Thames Crossing would also drive-up levels of unsustainable travel when funding should focus on sustainable public transport. CPRE Kent has highlighted how the crossing’s environmental and economic impacts on the local area would far outweigh any supposed benefits.

On zonal planning reforms

We welcome the government’s plan to support the construction of more homes close to existing transport hubs, particularly in our towns and cities. Provided that they are genuinely affordable and built on brownfield land, these homes could help unlock growth by providing sustainable places to live close to where people already live, work and go to school.

Building more homes close to transport hubs must not undermine the Green Belt, one of this country’s most successful spatial protections with huge potential to help address the climate and nature emergencies.

On the planning regime for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

It’s clear we’ve got to build a clean energy grid fit for the future, but the best way to achieve this is with local communities involved from the start.

To speed up the planning system, the government should deliver on its commitment to fund hundreds of new planning officers.

The UK could learn from countries such as Ireland and Australia, where communities are involved in decision-making from the start. This approach helps to avoid lengthy and costly legal processes while preserving democratic values. For everyone’s sake, we should build consensus, not dismiss people with real ideas and solutions as ‘blockers’.