Help CPRE Sussex to protect your countryside from concrete

Send your MP your views on the Planning for the Future White Paper

The government states that: ‘The Planning for the Future consultation proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process; bring a new focus to design and sustainability; improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure; and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.’

CPRE Sussex says the Government’s plans to reform the planning system will not solve the housing crisis, particularly the need for affordable housing, and could be catastrophic for the Sussex countryside. It warns that the proposals lack detail and could hand thousands of acres of rural Sussex over to developers, who will be able to build without going through the full planning process.

Under the proposals, all unprotected countryside in Sussex would be classified as either a ‘Growth area’ suitable for substantial development or a ‘Renewal area’ suitable for development. The paper implies that in ‘Growth areas’ developers would automatically be granted outline approval for development without local involvement. In ‘Renewal areas’ there would be a general presumption in favour of development.

Unless the green space where you enjoy walking near your town or village is protected, for example in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or as a nature reserve, it could be in a ‘Growth area’ or a ‘Renewal area’.

The government blames the local plan process for slow house building rates. However, Local Government Association figures show that over one million homes granted planning permission in the past ten years have not been built. These permissions are being banked by developers until they can secure high profits from schemes.

The White Paper consultation has now closed, but you can still let your MP know your views.

 Read:

CPRE response to changing the planning system 30.9.2020

Planning for the Future White Paper consultation

CPRE Sussex press release highlighting concerns about the Planning for the Future White Paper.