Sounding the alarm over dangerous planning document 

CPRE Sussex Campaigns and Communications Manager’s column written for The Argus.

CPRE Sussex has raised the alarm over the dangerous draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We have launched a letter writing campaign urging MPs to revise the hugely damaging document this summer.  

The government claims its latest draft of the NPPF will drive economic growth and modernise the planning system. But the reality is it will cause irrevocable damage and destruction to our green spaces. We are urging MPs from all political parties to consider the cost to local democracy, already overstretched infrastructure and the natural environment of these changes. 

Sewage, climate and affordable housing 

Many of us have experienced the terrible water issues that we have in Sussex – from polluted waters, to overflowing sewage systems, to being left without water for weeks.  Shockingly, the last NPPF makes no attempt to remedy this failure.  It simply calls for development which will load yet more new builds onto sewage and water systems. 

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our countryside. This year we have already experienced several heatwaves, and extreme weather is affecting both food supplies and our landscape. Yet this draft of the NPPF has no serious consideration of climate change mitigation at all. 

We know Sussex communities desperately need affordable housing. But this document does not even come close to adequate provision of affordable housing. Instead, it appears to place more value on developer profits than meeting the needs of local people. 

Another major concern is that the proposed NPPF places areas around rural railway stations in peril. The document suggests introducing automatic development zones around stations. But policies allowing more development simply because land is near a station would lead to suburban sprawl, ribbon development and higher car dependency. 

Intrinsic value of the countryside 

Incredibly, the latest NPPF also undermines the countryside itself. It removes references to valued landscapes outside nationally designated areas and the intrinsic value the countryside provides. This is not just upsetting – it is also deeply flawed.  

More than half of land in Sussex (58%) is working farmland. A further 24% is made up of woodland, open space, and water.  These stunning landscapes help to attract visitors to our county. In 2024, there were more than 50 million visitor trips to Sussex, generating more than £4 billion for the local economy in East and West Sussex.  

At the same time, access to the countryside helps us stay fitter, healthier and improves our wellbeing.  Research has found regular access to green spaces reduces GP visits by 28% and could save the NHS 2.1 billion annually.  

A loss of public scrutiny  

Perhaps our biggest fear about the NPPF is that it will eradicate public scrutiny in planning decisions.  In speeding up the housebuilding process, the government would see local democracy and examination stripped away.   

We are calling for MPs to demand revisions to this document this summer. To help get the message out, we have drafted a letter which you can send to your local MP. We encourage everyone to read the letter and add your voice and specific local concerns. 

Read and edit the letter here. 

Read the full Argus column here.