In response to the Government’s launch of two new consultations today (Tuesday) on planning, one for a healthy natural environment and another for climate change and renewable energy, Fiona Howie, Head of Planning and Regions, says:

“An open and accessible countryside, as well as green spaces in urban areas, is critical to the nation’s health and well being, and improving people’s quality of life. It’s encouraging that the consultation papers acknowledged this and seeks to protect and enhance our much loved countryside. .

“While we recognise that planning for a low carbon future is important, we must not support development simply because it will have a low carbon footprint, other environmental impacts must also be considered. Good planning needs to address the challenge posed by climate change while also minimising other impacts such as visual or noise, so that the quality of our environment is not compromised. This is especially critical in our highly valued landscapes such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

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Notes to Editors

1.       Consultation paper on a new Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment –www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/naturalenvironmentconsultation

2.       Consultation on a Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a Changing Climate – http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppsclimateconsultation

3.       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

4.       CPRE launched 2026 - A Vision for the Countryside in May 2009, 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.