In response to the first major planning applications being accepted by the new Government planning quango, the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC); Fiona Howie, Head of Planning for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), says:
 
“It is important that this new quango is not used to steamroll over genuine local concerns over both the environmental and contextual impacts of these huge industrial developments.
 
“New power stations are often extremely contentious due to their scale and their environmental and visual impacts. The Government has recently reformed how we plan for nuclear and conventional power stations, renewables, electricity transmission lines and other major infrastructure. This has been one of the most controversial changes to planning in over 60 years and these changes come into force today.
 
“Clearly the UK needs to invest in our infrastructure if we are to meet the economic challenges of the future but this should be at the expense of our countryside which once lost, can never be restored.”
 
Ends
 
For a further details briefing on the impact of the IPC, please contact the CPRE press office.
 
Notes to Editors
1.       CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk
2.       CPRE launched 2026 - A Vision for the Countryside in May, setting out a positive and optimistic vision for the future of the beautiful English countryside in 2026, the charity’s centenary year. The Vision’s key issues include: affordable, high quality housing; urban regeneration; Green Belts; better planning; green energy; local food and farming; quality of life; light pollution and valuing the countryside as a national asset. For further information go to www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/environment/2026-a-vision-for-the-countryside.