National parks 'under threat'

The Campaign to Protect Rural England(CPRE) is calling for a Parliamentary inquiry to review the impact of development threats and recommend policy changes.

It said it has gathered evidence from across England which reveals unprecedented pressure on our most treasured countryside following the Coalition’s planning reforms.

National Parks and other precious landscapes are under threat from housing, energy, transport and tourism development in hitherto ‘protected’ areas, despite assurances from the Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles that National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) would be safeguarded under their reforms.

Shaun Spiers, CPREChief Executive, said:

"On paper designated landscapes have the highest level of protection in planning policy. But as our report today shows, there is growing pressure to approve disastrous development. It is just far too easy for developers to get their way at fatal cost to our precious landscapes.

"Our report provides further clear evidence that the current planning framework is not nearly as robust as it needs to be. We need to strengthen planning policies before it’s too late. The nation deserves better protection for its irreplaceable countryside."

The report highlights over 20 developments threatening the landscape, including a development of over 500 houses almost entirely within the Kent Downs AONB – home of the famous White Cliffs of Dover - which has recently been approved; a major new road scheme between Sheffield and Manchester which threatens the Peak District National Park, and a "massive" solar development on a locally designated site in Dorset.

The CPREsaid that far from being a block to development, businesses in National Parks generated £10.4bn turnover in 2012.