Poll shows level of support for Sussex countryside 

CPRE Sussex Director’s column written for The Argus 12 February 2026

At CPRE Sussex we have always fought to protect and celebrate the beautiful landscapes and diverse habitats on our doorstep. Now, research has revealed most people in the South East agree we need greater protection for the countryside. 

The Countryside Poll, carried out by More in Common for the national CPRE charity, found 9 in 10 people believe the countryside is what makes Britain special.  The poll also uncovered near-universal support for protecting the countryside and revealed countryside proximity beats good schools and low council tax when people choose where to live. 

But people do not trust our national political leaders to make decisions that reflect these values.   

Damaging decisions 

Low trust in the national government’s commitment to protecting the countryside is hardly surprising given its recent decision making. 

Last year’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill weakened environmental safeguards and reduced local democracy.  The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) threatens to further centralise power. 

A second runway at Gatwick Airport was approved despite the damage it will cause to the environment, habitats and local communities.   

But there is hope. 

Reasons for hope 

The new research reveals strong public appetite for solutions that work for people, nature and our county. Seven in 10 people believe the amount of land protected for nature and wellbeing should be increased, with support particularly strong among young people. More than 7 in 10 people would support a law requiring all suitable commercial or public buildings to have solar panels. 

The public also do not buy the rhetoric that the Government needs to make a choice between tackling the housing crisis and our precious green spaces. More than 8 in 10 people believe it is possible to build the homes the UK needs while safeguarding the countryside for future generations.  

Upcoming opportunities 

While trust in national government leaders is low, there are opportunities for communities and local leaders to work together to protect our countryside. Planned local government reforms look set to introduce unitary authorities to Sussex. 

While we must ensure local expertise is maintained, a more strategic approach to planning and transport across Sussex could help to boost protections for the countryside. 

A new mayor for Sussex also has an opportunity to reject the national rhetoric of “nature versus growth” and lead a region where we no longer put developer and polluter profits before local needs. 

Time to match public ambition 

The findings of the Countryside Poll amount to an overwhelming rejection of false choices between housing and the countryside and between growth and environmental protections. 

At a time when politics is so often divisive, protecting the countryside is cross-generational and cross-party. Our political leaders across the county should take note – protecting and enhancing the countryside is a priority for people from all walks of life. 

Read more about the results of the Countryside Poll in our latest Argus column here.