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Help Prevent A Planning Disaster -
Three major reports released just before Christmas have put the future of the planning system back on to the political agenda. First, Sir Nicholas Stern’s report outlined the economic costs of climate change and the steps needed to tackle this hugely important issue. Then came the Eddington Review of Transport, swiftly followed by the Barker Review of Planning. The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, commissioned all three reports.
Like many other environmental campaign groups, we hoped Stern would provide the ‘wake-up call’ required to speed up government action on climate change, but there was little sign of this in the Chancellor’s pre-budget report. The response to the other two reports is also worrying.
Eddington recommended a change to planning laws to speed up development of new roads, and further expansion of major airports. Although we welcomed some of his comments encouraging walking and cycling routes, there was not enough emphasis on improvements to local public transport or the rail network. Contradicting other policies on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, transport secretary Douglas Alexander announced that proposals for aviation growth outlined in the 2003 White Paper would continue to be supported. This was despite the decision by Uttlesford District Council to reject expansion of Stansted Airport, partly on the grounds of increased pollution and its contribution to climate change. Local Ramblers’ members have been involved in the campaign to Stop Stansted Expansion, and this is an important victory for activists in the area.
The Barker Review of Land Use Planning contains the most concerning recommendations from the Ramblers’ point of view. It recommends a ‘review’ of Green Belt boundaries, and introducing a ‘presumption in favour of development’ where local plans do not exist or are out of date. Most concerning are the recommendations to remove opportunities for local input at the consultation stage, and the creation of a national body to approve ‘major developments’.
Take action: We have joined with Friends of the Earth, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, RSPB and the Woodland Trust to campaign against the most damaging recommendations. Please help by emailing the Chancellor via the campaign website at www.planningdisaster.co.uk - and asking others to do the same.
Countryside Round-up
In Dorset, a resubmitted application for the Weymouth Relief Road has received thousands of objections, including one from Natural England.
The proposed 22-turbine windfarm at Fullabrook Down in Devon has been subject to a public inquiry. Local RA representatives presented evidence against the development, showing how it would damage views from popular local footpaths and the nearby Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The South Downs National Park saga continues, with the Meyrick appeal heard on 1st November. The result is expected soon and will be discussed at the South Downs Campaign AGM on 17th March in Chichester. Thanks to everyone who wrote to Barry Gardiner in response to the action point in the last newsletter.
Two major developments in the Peak District continue to threaten the natural beauty of the area. Ramblers staff took part in a meeting recently with roads minister Stephen Ladyman to encourage alternatives to the A628 Mottram-Tintwhistle bypass. Meanwhile we wait to see what impact the new Minerals Policy Guidance will have on further development of the quarry at Longstone Edge.
In South Wales, the quest for 'Gorwel Agored', or a 'Clear Horizon', has begun. The aim is to keep the hills of South Wales Valleys free of wind turbines. One third of all new wind power in Wales is proposed to be located just south of the Brecon Beacons. Local authorities are asked to refine this 'search area' and protect the most sensitive locations from turbines. Six 'Gorwel Agored' walks will encourage local people to get out and enjoy the beauty on their doorsteps before it disappears and get involved in making their views known.
Stop Climate Chaos
Ramblers' Association members were among the 25,000 people who filled Trafalgar Square on 4th November 2006 to demand political leadership from the government on climate change. One immediate result was the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that a Climate Change Bill would be brought forward, establishing legal targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. You can find out more www.icount.org.uk.
We expect the climate change issue, and how the Ramblers’ Association responds, to be a major topic of discussion at General Council in March.
National Park Funding
Good news for the National Parks came when the government announced that funding for 2007/2008 would rise in line with inflation, to a total of £44.2m. There had been fears that DEFRA spending reviews would lead to cuts in the funds available to manage our most important areas of countryside.
Minerals Policy Launched
The long-awaited Minerals Policy Statement 1 (MPS1) was published on 6 November. It sets out the key policies and principles the Government expects Mineral Planning Authorities to follow when preparing minerals development frameworks and in considering applications. The Ramblers worked closely with the Council for National Parks and others to provide input during the consultation stage of this document. We were pleased to see the introduction of a ‘minerals hierarchy’ which emphasises re-use of materials, with opening up of new extraction sites only as a last resort. This is likely to be helpful in protecting sensitive areas in the future, especially if demand for materials grows with a new phase of roadbuilding and other projects like the Olympic games.
Circular Number: 07/05 Date: January 2007
For: Information & Action
To: Area and Group Countryside Secretaries; Area and Group Secretaries; Area Media Contacts England and Wales (Scotland for Information only); Staff and EC; Countryside Update members; Extra Countryside Secretaries
Contact:
England: Patrick Grady, 0207 339 857, patrickg@ramblers.org.uk
Wales: Martin Dowson, 029 2064 4308, martind@ramblers.org.uk
Scotland (Wildland Campaigner): Davie Black, 01577 867742, davieb@ramblers.org.uk
To add someone to the circulation list please email countryside@ramblers.org.uk
