Take action now - visit www.planningdisaster.co.uk
We are faced with a planning disaster - if the government gets its way in proposed changes to the country's planning and development infrastructure.
The government's latest Planning White Paper (May 2007) proposes far reaching reform of the planning system, which will make it easier for developers to push through major projects that will have a serious impact on the countryside and walking environment. Read our short briefing (pdf) and official response (pdf) (August 2007).
The Ramblers' Association has joined forces with other major environmental organisations, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Friends of the Earth, to stop these disastrous proposals from being implemented. We have launched a 'vision statement' to make planning better (pdf) and are asking the Government to ensure:
- Any national statements on major infrastructure projects to consider all the alternatives, and properly involve local people
- Decisions are made by democratically accountable politicians, not an unelected commission
- A legal right for local people to challenge projects at a public inquiry
- Natural and historic resources protected for future generations
- A legal duty on all decision makers to promote sustainable development.
Take Action
The White Paper follows the Barker Review of Planning, which recommended cutting back on greenbelt land, and reducing opportunities for local participation in the planning process. This could fatally undermine the system of protection and planning that has preserved some of our most beautiful landscapes for more than 50 years. Read our reaction to the report and our official response (pdf).
Then the Eddington Review of Transport urged the government to give the go-ahead to airport expansion and more road building. This would increase greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to climate change, and take funds away from more sustainable forms of public transport.
