Is a local future good for the countryside?

Ben Stafford – Head of Campaigns

About CPRE

• Founded in 1926 – national organisation with a branch in every English county

• Campaigning for a beautiful, tranquil and diverse countryside that everyone can value and enjoy

• Early campaigns included those for protected landscapes and Green Belts

• Vision for 2026 – an optimistic vision of a more beautiful, diverse and varied countryside than now

The localism agenda

The politics

The politics – Part II

• Dismantling of the previous Government’s structures – farewell to regional government, and the Infrastructure Planning Commission

• Localism Bill

• A new approach to housing – the New Homes Bonus

• Changes to National Park governance

• A new designation to protect areas of green space that are of particular value to local people • And more community/voluntary sector management of land?

The Localism Bill• In Parliament now – likely to become law in autumn• Major reform of planning• Devolution of powers to councils• Rights for local people to take over services and assets• Neighbourhood planning• Community right to build• National Planning Policy Framework

The New Homes Bonus

Who looks after the land?

The localist approach – pros and cons for the countryside

The Big Society in action

• CPRE’s members and volunteers already do a huge amount for the countryside• And so do bodies such as the Cotswolds Conservation Board• We rely on local enthusiasm, expertise and action

Localism provides opportunities…

• People know what is good for their local area, and are passionate about protecting it

• Opportunities for people to work well together within neighbourhoods

• Exciting new proposals for protecting green spaces of particular local value

• Potential to allow actions that protect the distinctive character of localities

…but also raises questions• what happens where there isn’t capacity in the community to get involved?• rights without resources?• ‘engagement deficits’• neighbourhoods, and sharp elbows• what about the strategic overview?

Making localism work for the countryside

What is CPRE doing?

Influencing the planning agenda• Our Planning Charter• open, accessible process• parish plans, village design statements etc showing the way – CPRE Gloucestershire’s work• strong protection through the NPPF for designated landscapes and Green Belts• a sequential approach• a fairer appeals process• the strategic overview

Supporting local food

Supporting voluntary action