It is time to fight for our countryside 

CPRE Sussex column published in The Argus.

This summer has been one of the hottest and driest on record. Across the country we have seen wildfires cause devastation and a loss of vital habitats. The extreme weather is an urgent reminder of the need for a joined-up approach to tackle the multiple threats facing our precious countryside.  

Yet, Government policy remains disjointed and dismissive of the scale of the threat we are facing.  

NPPF is still a threat 

Throughout the summer, we called for urgent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We argued, unless revised, it would cause irrevocable damage and destruction to green spaces. The Government has since published an updated version of the NPPF. Sadly, it lacks desperately-needed improvements across five key areas. 

Firstly, the updated plan fails to strengthen planning controls relating to water, sewage treatment capacity, or wastewater infrastructure. Second, it still lacks serious consideration of climate change mitigation.  

Third, the NPPF continues to undermine the countryside itself. There are still no clear protections for valued landscapes outside nationally designated areas and no recognition of the intrinsic value of the  countryside. Fourth, the revised document still risks eradicating public scrutiny in planning decisions.  

The only area where we have seen some marginal improvements is on affordable housing and social rent. However, there are still no national requirements for a specific percentage of affordable housing or social rent housing.  

Holding water companies to account 

Sadly, the NPPF is not the only area where national policy seems to be completely out of sync with the threats facing the countryside. In July, the Government rejected a call in the Lord Committee’s drought report for water companies to be statutory consultees on all major planning works.  

It is ridiculous that water companies are not consulted when developments are proposed.  With high temperatures and long periods of drought becoming the norm, the presumption that potable water can always be provided is foolish and unsustainable.  

At CPRE Sussex we believe water companies should take part in public examinations of local plans. This would allow much-needed scrutiny of their role and responsibilities. 

Calling for an aviation ombudsman 

Attempting to hold large companies to account has been something of a theme of our work this summer. We have joined Gatwick campaign group CAGNE in calling for the creation of an independent aviation ombudsman. 

The current version of the Civil Aviation Bill provides no powers for residents to challenge airspace decisions. We believe Sussex residents must have a clear and accessible way of standing up for their skies and communities. An independent ombudsman would enable residents to have their voices heard. 

Join us in the fight 

The three different policy areas I have highlighted in this article share common themes. Local voices are being ignored, companies and developers are not being held to account, and it is the Sussex countryside and its communities which suffer. 

Housing, transport, water and conservation issues should not be viewed in isolation. Instead, we should be working together across all these areas to shape a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for Sussex. 

Find out more about how you can support our work here.

Read more about our response to the latest NPPF and other recent policies in our latest column for The Argus here.