The battle for the Sussex countryside continues 

CPRE Sussex Director’s column written for The Argus, 13 December 2025

At this time of year, I find myself taking stock. Sadly, it seems the Sussex countryside is under threat as never before. The Government is ripping up protections for nature. Precious green spaces are being lost to executive homes. Water companies continue to pollute our rivers and beaches. The second runway at Gatwick has been approved. 

But this does not mean all is lost. CPRE Sussex is continuing to fight alongside local communities to defend our countryside and shape a greener future for all. 

Planning victories 

As a charity, we want to see genuinely affordable homes and an increase in housing for social rent. But simply caving into the demands of big development corporations does not deliver cheaper rents.  

Throughout the year we have fought alongside local communities to oppose harmful development applications – and we have won. Victories this year include refusal of 1,450 homes on farmland between Cuckfield and Ansty and 80 homes on long-undisturbed fields and hedgerows on the fringes of Haywards Heath.  

We have also seen common sense prevail at appeal, including the dismissal of a bid for 475 homes which threatened the green gap between Worthing and Ferring. 

Solar energy, education and planting 

CPRE Sussex is about more than just fighting inappropriate developments. This year has also seen the continuing growth of our rooftop solar revolution, as well as our planting and education work.  

In May, more than 1,000 people attended our Tree Festival to learn more about the value of trees. Throughout the year, we have continued to work with community partners to plant new trees across Brighton & Hove. In September, we launched our latest Hedgerow Heroes campaign. This year’s campaign will see volunteers planting 2km of hedgerow on the Manhood Peninsula from now until March. Sign up to get involved here. 

Fighting for our countryside 

In 2026 we will continue to fight for our precious countryside. We are backing a Judicial Review into the Gatwick Airport decision. We are continuing to lobby for a new approach to sewage infrastructure – and for water companies to be held account for pollution. We are urging Brighton & Hove City Council to ringfence funding for trees. In the face of the disastrous Planning and Infrastructure Bill we will back residents and local councils working to protect their communities from profit-hungry developers. We believe the new Sussex mayor could play a critical role in protecting the countryside – although the delayed elections mean an even longer wait for the return of strategic planning. 

Next year also marks the centenary of the national CPRE charity. To mark the occasion, we will be celebrating your favourite countryside memories and asking you to share your priorities for the future. 

Thank you 

At this time of year, it is important to thank those who make a difference to our lives. I would like to thank our fantastic staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters for helping us shape a greener future for Sussex. 

If you would like to support our work in 2026 and beyond, you can become a supporter or member of CPRE Sussex. Find out more about membership here. 

Finally, thank you for engaging with this column and taking the time to learn more about our work. I look forward to working with more of you in the new year. 

Read Paul’s full column in the Argus here.