The Fingleton Review puts England’s Protected Landscapes at risk
The Fingleton Review of nuclear regulations was published in November last year. Among its recommendations was to remove or constrain the duty on local authorities to support National Parks and National Landscapes. But its case for scrapping environmental protections is deeply flawed.
We’re now at a critical moment in the government’s consideration of the Fingleton Review recommendations, which risk trashing the countryside and causing permanent damage to Protected Landscapes.
The government has a choice to make between weakening valuable protections or safeguarding the countryside for future generations.
Stand up for Protected Landscapes
Why the strengthened duty in LURA matters
Introduced in 2023, the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) placed a clear legal duty on public bodies — such as councils, water companies and highways authorities — to actively seek to further the purposes of National Parks and National Landscapes.
This replaced the far weaker ‘have regard to’ duty which lacked the teeth to influence major infrastructure and development decisions, leaving Protected Landscapes as little more than an afterthought.
The Fingleton Review gets it wrong
The Fingleton Review recommends repealing or constraining this strengthened duty over fears it could delay or prevent nuclear development.
Yet, the duty was never intended to stop development. Its purpose is to ensure that proposals fully consider and respond to their impacts on some of England’s most valued landscapes.
Strong protections support national priorities
If protections are weakened, the risk to Protected Landscapes from poorly planned development will be greatly increased.
This would be particularly short-sighted given the vital role National Parks and National Landscapes play in helping to deliver the government’s target of 30% of land in good condition for nature by 2030; supporting climate resilience and nature recovery; improving access to nature and supporting physical and mental health; and providing green spaces that are for everyone.
What’s more, there is a huge amount of positive, collaborative work happening across Protected Landscapes, often in partnership with communities, farmers, charities and public bodies. The strengthened duty helps ensure this work is supported rather than undermined.
England’s National Parks and National Landscapes are among our greatest shared assets. From the Lake District and the South Downs to the North Pennines, Cannock Chase and the Surrey Hills, these places are part of what makes the countryside special.
Keeping strong forward-looking protections in place is one of the best ways to ensure landscapes remain just as inspiring, resilient and welcoming for future generations.
You don’t have to take our word for it: protecting the countryside enjoys the public’s support across generations, with three-quarters of young people wanting more of the UK countryside protected.
As President of CPRE Somerset, Mariella Frostrup, put it at our parliamentary reception last week: ‘Protecting the countryside isn’t about freezing places in time or saying no to change. It’s about making better change — for people, for nature, and for the long term.’
Add your voice to the campaign
The government is expected to make a final decision on the Fingleton Review recommendations in the coming weeks. There is still time to speak up for Protected Landscapes and stop these damaging plans.
We are backing The Wildlife Trusts’ Nuclear Regulatory Review Campaign to help stop the nature crisis becoming a catastrophe.
You can add your voice and join more than 10,000 people who have already emailed the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, and their MP. It’s time for the government to stand up for Protected Landscapes and reject the flawed recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review.
