CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 1

CPRE South East eBulletin THE NPPF AT THE CONSERVATIVE CONFERENCE The Great Planning Row: Days 51 to 70 The Prime Minister the Countryside and Jobs Is the NPPF the Neutrino of Planning Campaigning? In his closing speech to the conference, took a firm line that only 9% of land in England is built up and that We should treasure these words. “Crazy”, “madness” and the planning system is holding back economic growth: “double madness – madness compounded by imbecility”. They There’s one more thing. Our businesses need the space to come from CPRE President Bill Bryson venting his frustration grow – literally. That’s one of the reasons we’re reforming our at the draft National Planning Policy Framework in the Sunday planning system. It’s hard to blame local people for opposing Telegraph. Bill Bryson’s forthright commentary was a developments when they get none of the benefits. We’re welcome injection of lively language into a media debate that changing that. If a new manufacturing plant is built in your has at times failed to grasp the passion that people feel about area – your community keeps the business rates. If new homes planning reforms set to bring a wrecking ball to localism and get built – you keep the council tax. This is a localist plan from bulldozers to green fields. If we learn one thing from this a localist party. campaign, it should be that planning can be a populist cause. Now I know people are worried about what this means for This thought brings me to the humble neutrino. So ubiquitous conservation. Let me tell you: I love our countryside and are neutrinos in our everyday lives that millions will pass there’s nothing I would do to put it at risk. But let’s get the through your body as you read this editorial. As esoteric as this balance right. The proportion of land in England that is particle may be, it is hardly headline material. Yet a few weeks currently built up is 9 per cent. Yes, 9 per cent. There are ago, a neutrino that allegedly travelled from Geneva to Grand businesses out there desperate to expand, to hire thousands of Sasso a tad faster than the speed of light made the front pages people – but they’re stuck in the mud of our planning system. around the world. The level of excitement was such that a New Of course we’re open to constructive ideas about how to get Scientist leader claimed: “We are in a new era – of science as a this right. But to those who just oppose everything we’re doing, spectator sport”. my message is this: Take your arguments down to the job It has taken decades for scientists to reach a position where it centre. We’ve got to get Britain back to work (Full speech: stands almost shoulder to shoulder with the arts in our media. http://bit.ly/nLtkHf ). When I started to talk to scientists about communicating their Analysis by planning commentator Andrew Lainton argues science in the early 1990s, most held a view that they were the area is at least 14%, as Cameron seems to have included both misunderstood and incapable of being understood. Few Scotland and Wales and on international definitions is 19% wanted to draw people into the intense excitement that is (http://bit.ly/pj8Kla ). Research by Land Use consultants for CPRE science. So many scientists I met believed that the difficulties in 2007 showed that the visual and noise intrusion associated and obscurities of their subject matter militated against public with built up areas, power grids and communications affects engagement. 50% of England ( http://bit.ly/cprezones ). Things really began to change rapidly with the launch of National Science Week in 1995. The enthusiasm for science Transition Arrangements Promised after communication was accelerated by the discovery (or not) of “Silence of the Plans” fossils on Mars in 1996, and has barely looked back since. Last Saturday, CPRE launched its nationwide campaign on These days, Brian Cox can casually cast the gems of quantum the “Silence of the Plans”, which revealed that 48% of physics towards his audience without fear of their disinterest or planning authorities will not have Core Strategies in place by 1 accusations from colleagues that he is undermining the April next year when the NPPF comes into force. Where plans integrity of the scientific profession. are silent, absent or indeterminate, the presumption in favour of I am not trying to claim that planning will ever generate the sustainable development comes into force and the default same excitement that a humble neutrino can cause, but I am answer is “yes”. Nearly one in five of planning authorities saying it can be a populist cause. Everyone owes a debt to the (17%) are in the ‘red zone’ have not a hope of getting a local National Trust for making the NPPF row a populist crusade plan in place until sometime in 2013 or 2014, and only if they and to Bill Bryson who has uttered the most passionate words keep to time ( http://bit.ly/nppfhell ). of the campaign. There is much we can all learn from the last Previous vague hints at transition arrangements for the new three months of campaigning. The question is where we go planning regime became firm commitments at the Tory from here. How do we consolidate the unprecedented media conference. Citing CPRE research, Planning magazine reports: coverage of planning and turning that into public engagement “Speaking on separate occasions at the Tory Party conference, in planning? both junior planning minister Bob Neill and decentralisation Localism could be a greatest tool in this. Even though the minister said that the government will put in place visionary concept of neighbourhood plans has been weakened transitional arrangements to support councils without an up-to- by the Localism Bill and the draft NPPF, the plans could lead date local plan (£: http://bit.ly/q58Wic ). A report in Building & to a new long term engagement of communities with planning. Building Design is more detailed, saying that Clark said: “It is It will be a long haul. A YouGov poll for the National Trust clear that transition arrangements will be very important, given found that 70% of people said they were “not very likely” or that the purpose is to get councils working to a local plan. It is “not at all likely” to get involved in their neighbourhood plan not the intention of the government to end up in a position and only 4% said they were “very likely” to get involved where local authorities are in any way disadvantaged.” It also (http://bit.ly/nsju4O ). But back in the early 1990s, scientists faced reports Grant Shapps as saying: “We will ensure that there is a a similar long haul and came out on top. Can we? period of time, a transition, for local authorities to have plans Andy Boddington filed and agreed” (£: http://bit.ly/nAwVF9 ). Note on links. We have adopted the £ symbol from Twitter to CLG told Inside Housing that transition arrangements were indicate articles you will generally have to pay to view. something which was ‘out there’ and had been discussed, but were not yet in place ( http://bit.ly/pIY6p5 ). CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 2

Greg Clark Pledges Excellence and Brownfield First A Selection of Other NPPF News Planning minister Greg Clark gave a bullish speech to the Suburban nation. In the Sunday Telegraph, Bill Bryson conference (full speech: http://bit.ly/ndfTNy ). warned the Coalition against turning England into a suburban Like any family, we will always want the next generation to nation, saying: “Britain still has the most reliably beautiful have more chances than we had, not fewer. This is reason countryside of anywhere in the world. I would hate to be part we’re making reforms to our planning system. Yes, we’re going of the generation that allowed that to be lost… what you don’t to build more homes – but in the right places, and of the right want to do is to take Britain, which has worked well as a quality. We are stewards of a matchless countryside. We want predominantly urban nation, and try to create some new 21st our children – and their children – to be as proud of it as we century suburbia. That’s madness… Especially if your are. And believe me, there is no charity, no campaign, no justification is some kind of temporary boost to the economy. concerned citizen who feels more strongly about cherishing our That’s double madness – madness compounded by imbecility. countryside than we do. So of course, we’ll make use of The Government talks as if the planning system is an brownfield land before greenfield land; we’ll insist on excellent impediment to growth. I would say it stops foolish or greedy design not legotowns; and we’ll make sure that planning people being rapacious to the built environment” decisions are taken by local people who know and love where (http://tgr.ph/nppfbryson ). they live not by those regional bureaucracies or visiting Its Just Plan Crazy. CPRE Horsham and Crawley is among inspectors. The best way to protect the countryside is to make eight groups that have linked with the West Sussex County our towns and cities great places to live. And great places to Times to form the Save Our Sussex Alliance to oppose the work too. Our biggest cities are home to two thirds of our jobs, NPPF ( http://bit.ly/sussexsos ). two thirds of our fastest growing businesses, and most of our The NPPF campaigners. The Telegraph published a list of top universities. Britain won’t prosper unless our cities 22 organisations, headed by CPRE, who are objecting to the prosper. NPPF in its current form ( http://tgr.ph/nppfcamp ). The Conservative Fringe: Planning Appeals. In the wonderful world of appeals, “Peace is [not quite] breaking out all over” decisions remain as perplexing as always. In Oakham a fiercely resisted greenfield housing development beyond the town At a Telegraph fringe event, the National Trust’s Fiona boundary was approved with the draft NPPF in mind. Despite Reynolds declared: “Peace is breaking out all over. I think the presence of an up to date Core Strategy, the lack of a five because the penny has dropped that actually the current draft year land supply weighed on the Inspector’s mind as did the does not do what we want it to do certainly, but I think it does Plan for Growth. The NPPF’s assurance that “there is no not do what the Government want it to do either.” necessary contradiction between increased levels of CPRE’s Shaun Spiers told fringe his concerns are “not development and protecting and enhancing the environment” scaremongering, not even Bolshevik.” He says the NPPF is (Inspector’s italics) was dutifully rolled out and the proposal “fatally skewed in favour of economic development”. It does was approved (Appeal Decision APP/A2470/A/10/2143475; need “radical revision”. http://bit.ly/rsksfE ). Meanwhile, a month later in East Cheshire, an Oliver Letwin, however, suggested that critics had not read Eric Pickles decided to reject a called in housing development, the document. In a more conciliatory tone, he said: “There is a despite it helping meet the “shortfall resulting from the perfectly constructive discussion going on about the precise Council’s failure to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing wording of the draft document and there should be a very land across Cheshire East, in achieving a good mix of housing wide-ranging discussion.” In response to a question from the on a sustainable site and in helping to meet the affordable RSPB, Letwin said ministers would make the “appropriate housing shortfall in the area.” But he ruled would “pre-empt changes”, if necessary, to protect sites of special scientific decisions on revised settlement boundaries before current interest. “My position is extremely clear – the right kind of uncertainties with regard to population growth and distribution approach to the natural environment is one which sees it as an can be settled in a statutory planning context.” Cheshire Eats ally of economic progress, not as being opposed to it.” Core Strategy is due at the end of 2014. The NPPF was not After the meeting, Bob Neill promised the Telegraph that mentioned (APP/R0660/A/10/2141564; http://bit.ly/q2byec ). changes would be made: “By the end of the year we will be in Developers. Lucent says the NPPF “has given a green light a very different place. We are genuinely prepared to listen to for investors in UK strategic land”, and has outlined plans for sensible improvements that have been made. The overhaul acquiring at least £500 million worth of sites within next two thrust was right. It was never intended to be a charter for years mainly in the South East (IFA: http://bit.ly/rkT4gR ). inappropriate development in the countryside”. Select Committee. The House of Commons Communities (Telegraph: http://tgr.ph/o4XFFd , begins 18:03; and Local Government Committee is hearing evidence on the http://tgr.ph/mODkTR ; http://tgr.ph/nWX1Q0 ; PA: http://bit.ly/r0VcSL ; NPPF this week. Yesterday it heard from developers (Inside Inside Housing: http://bit.ly/pKTK0k ). Housing: http://bit.ly/nXU8o3 ; Andrew Lainton: http://bit.ly/pAzFwH ). About CPRE SE eBulletin Cities. In the Telegraph, former Cambridge Mayor, John The CPRE South East eBulletin is issued monthly, with Hipkin says: “if the Government persists with its proposed occasional special editions when required. We cover all the reforms, not only will our countryside be compromised: some planning and environmental news with a relevance to the remit of our loveliest cities will fall victim to the limitless appetites of CPRE. Views expressed are those of the editor, not of any of Mammon” ( http://tgr.ph/nQ8AWB ). part of CPRE. Our audience is CPRE and its friends. Please South Downs National Park. Steve Ankers for the South feel free to circulate this eBulletin. If you are not on our Downs Society says: “Make no mistake, what’s contained circulation list and want to receive the eBulletin regularly, just within the draft National Planning Policy Framework is a mess, let me know at [email protected] . and no line-up of apologists talking about ‘scaremongering’ Andy Boddington, Editor. will make it right” (County Times: http://bit.ly/p2aGVm ). CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 3

The Great Planning Row Timeline: Days 51 – 70 the NPPF debate, says “good planning helps underpin decision making and guide investment but the economy is only one of Timeline. We continue our detailed Timeline of the NPPF the pillars of the three-legged stall [sic] called sustainable campaign. This is as before lengthy but it is the biggest development” (24dash: http://bit.ly/onfo5o ). In his 24dash column, planning policy campaign in most of our lifetimes. Quite a lot Andy Boddington outlines “Ten Faults and Predictions” with has hit the cutting room floor but I am aware that I cannot pick the NPPF ( http://bit.ly/qUOPcF ). The Telegraph says “landbanks up all that branches are doing through my largely electronic are enough for more than two years of house building”. CLG news gathering. If I have missed anything important, please let insists that the planning system was depressing house building me know. and says: “Even if every one of these houses was built, it Key players . Shaun Spiers , Chief Executive, CPRE. Fiona would only represent the number of homes that we need to Reynolds , Director General, National Trust; Simon Jenkins , build each year” ( http://tgr.ph/oKuts7 ). Labour’s Shadow Chairman, National Trust. Greg Clark , Communities and Communities Minister, Jack Dromey accuses the Government Local Government (CLG ) Minister for Decentralisation, Cities of misleading the public and parliament over brownfield first and Planning; Bob Neill , CLG Parliamentary Under Secretary policy in the NPPF ( http://bit.ly/rpSvjc ). In , Peter of State; Grant Shapps , CLG Minister for Housing and Local Marren criticises the lack of response from Natural England, Government; Andrew Stunell , CLG Parliamentary Under saying “our wildlife watchdog has morphed into a pathetic Secretary of State. CLA , Country Land & Business delivery boy, charged with attending to “customer focus”. This Association. HBF , Home Builders Federation. FoE , Friends of leaves England without a wildlife watchdog worthy of the the Earth. RTPI , Royal Town Planning Institute. TCPA , Town name for the first time since 1949” ( http://ind.pn/ogQ4dV ). In the and Country Planning Association. Note: Most quotes are Guardian, Peter Hetherington says: “England not only needs to abbreviated. build more it has to build better. The danger is that the Day 51. 13 Sep. Writing in , Simon Jenkins says government will unleash a free-for-all” ( http://bit.ly/ocs5Gw ). “Call this planning reform? It’s a recipe for civil war” Day 53. 15 Sep. The Financial Times reveals a panicky email (Guardian: http://bit.ly/nJ1Mb4 ). In the FT, Jim Pickard says the from an unnamed civil servant at CLG urging its recipients NPPF is unlikely to prompt a sudden wave of building across (presumed to be developers) to attack the National Trust’s line Britain’s green fields, the problem is money for fund on the NPPF. “I recommend that you build on the back of development (£: http://on.ft.com/plILGR ). In the Independent, today’s NHF story, and make clear your support for the Terence Blacker says: “not so much a gesture to future NPPF… I recommend you put out a press notice that supports generations as a gift-wrapped present to Tory politicians’ pals Govt ambitions… If you need any help or stats on this kind of in the building industries… The most important freedom as far thing call the Town and Country Planning Association” as this administration is concerned is the freedom to make (http://on.ft.com/nppfomg ). In the Guardian, Eric Pickles struggles money” ( http://ind.pn/qTUsJO ). The Telegraph published the full to defend the NPPF against attacks in that newspaper by Simon text of an HBF email online: “we have been working to dispel Jenkins and George Monbiot: “No one, least of all this the inaccuracies portrayed by the main opposition – the government, wants to see unsustainable development”, he says National Trust, supported by the Council for the Protection of before admitting that neighbourhood plans will only limit Rural England [sic]” ( http://tgr.ph/oS9zq2 ). Also in the Telegraph, residents to “a say over the look and feel of the places where John Rhodes, who helped write the draft NPPF, said the new we live” ( http://bit.ly/pickleballs ). At a housebuilding conference, rules would inevitably mean “more development, not less” Eric Pickles says: “There’s always been a presumption in despite ministers’ promises to give residents more powers favour of development since the 1948 Act.” He rounds on (http://tgr.ph/qJRqyH ; http://tgr.ph/qDwdqP ). In the Financial Times, opponents claiming: “They’ve got hot and bothered without Jim Pickard says: “Both sides are ignoring a fundamental truth; reading the consultation documents” (Building: that there are other reasons for the stagnation in the http://bit.ly/pAZ5hf ). Planning blogger Andrew Lainton publishes construction market besides the planning system. Changing the his alternative NPPF ( http://bit.ly/daintynppf ). The Telegraph says: wording of guidance to councils is unlikely to prompt a sudden “rural areas in the constituencies of David Cameron and senior wave of building across Britain’s green fields” ministers will be sitting ducks for developers under new (http://on.ft.com/plILGR ). On 24dash, Andy Boddington writes: planning rules”. Shaun Spiers says: “These draft reforms “The Campaigning Wing of Middle England battles on for contain far too many loopholes that developers are already good planning” ( http://bit.ly/oWjOU5 ). Quoting CPRE’s Shaun beginning to exploit. Where there is no local plan in place, Spiers extensively, The New Statement says the planning row developers will feel that they can build more or less what they is “a very English revolution” ( http://bit.ly/qWjTjO ). In a letter to want” ( http://tgr.ph/oE3ADG ). Civic Voice publishes an analysis the Guardian, Hilary Fenten of Craven CPRE says the NPPF that says that the NPPF threatens “everyday England”. It calls will bring a “huge loss of habitat at a time when biodiversity is for smart growth to plan for high quality, well-designed in crisis” ( http://bit.ly/pNY2j1 ). Shaun Spiers says “The flawed development in towns and cities to avoid urban sprawl (PA: nature of the draft NPPF may just be down to poor drafting but http://bit.ly/oE5aMz ; http://bit.ly/civicnppf ). The RAC Foundation and on the other hand it may be exactly what the Government Campaign for Better Transport write to planning minister Greg intends” (CPRE: http://bit.ly/oMc0Wq ). On BBC Daily Politics, Clark claiming the NPPF will lead to out-of-town settlements Greg Clark said the reforms would “strengthen rules on and increased traffic delays (LocalGov: http://bit.ly/oa8mEg ). Also building in the Green Belt, and give planning powers to local in the Telegraph, Geoffrey Lean says David Cameron would be people” ( http://bbc.in/qzp6eK ). wise to meet CPRE: “not least since he seems to be being Day 52. 14 Sep. David Cameron answered friendly questions poorly briefed” on the NPPF ( http://tgr.ph/pqyc8X ). The House of on the NPPF at Prime Minister’s Questions and promised to Commons Library publishes a briefing note on the NPPF, “meet anyone” on the NPPF ( http://tgr.ph/pmYYQ7 ). The BPF citing National Trust and CPRE objections ( http://bit.ly/nppfhocl ). wrote a lengthy letter to the Telegraph supporting the NPPF “What would Britain look like without a green belt?”, asks and denying collusion with the government. It then moaned on BBC news, quoting Jack Neill-Hall of CPRE: “Without it, you Twitter and its website that the letter had been cut might have ended up with an entirely urbanised south-east of (http://bit.ly/r0u5OZ ). The TCPA, which has taken a low profile in England” ( http://bbc.in/qrm1Wa ). The Cambridge local plan is out CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 4 of date and councillors are growing concerned about the new Day 56. 18 Sep. The Telegraph reports that Zac Goldsmith policies (Cambridge News: http://bit.ly/npsBIb ). The West Sussex says the Government was delivering “contradictory messages” Times launches a save our countryside campaign: “Its Just Plan over the changes to planning rules, which risked handing a Crazy” ( http://bit.ly/rqHLOy ). “blank cheque” to developers. Mary Portas says “It’s softened Day 54. 16 Sep . Property Week launches a Campaign for on town centre first and we need to get that back and make that Sustainable Development in opposition to CPRE and the a bit tougher” ( http://tgr.ph/pXBld7 ). In the Independent, Ed National Trust, saying: “It is time property stood up for itself” Howker asks: “Has planning reform ever been so toxic?” (£: http://bit.ly/py4Tsk ). Building magazine reveals some of the before describing Fiona Reynolds as “Nimby poster-girl 2011” industry’s unease with planning reform: “an industry that is and condemning critics of the NPPF ( http://ind.pn/oq65vM ). In the still likely to be two years from a recovery, it is vital that the Independent, former Rural Advocate Stuart Burgess challenges planned changes go ahead. But the industry never asked for an the assumption in the NPPF that villages remote from services overhaul of the planning system, a fact that seems to have been do not need more housing, and criticises the lack of clarity on conveniently overlooked by those so quick to assume a cosy rural exception sites ( http://ind.pn/njsspn ). At the LibDem relationship between developers and politicians” Conference, Danny Alexander defends the NPPF and says (http://bit.ly/nG0cnx ). In the Telegraph, Simon Marsh from the “while it is politically contentious – we will reform planning” RSPB, one of the four authors of the Practitioners Draft of the (http://tgr.ph/oJiRtN ). NPPF talks about the drafting process: “Some battles I won, Day 57. 19 Sep . The Women’s Institute joins the NPPF some I lost, and on others we found a compromise. By the end campaign issuing a “call to the pen” in the Telegraph. we had a succinct, but flawed document”. With government Chairman Ruth Bond says there is a “groundswell” of concern changes “on top of a flawed draft, the result is a document that among her members ( http://ow.ly/6xWur ). Richard Summers, sets out a markedly different emphasis for the future planning President of the RTPI writes in This is Money that the system” ( http://tgr.ph/ruj75z ). The Landscape Institute told the organisation still would like to help settle the dispute and the CLG Select Committee that the definition of ‘sustainable NPPF “should promote a longer term view of wider-than-local development’ in the draft NPPF is incompatible with the issues for development and conservation” ( http://bit.ly/odF046 ). Brundtland definition of sustainability and would prevent much Cambridge will be “swallowed up in a sea of monotonous of the progressive thinking in the recent Natural Environment urban sprawl” unless changes to planning rules are defeated, White Paper from being implemented ( http://bit.ly/nG2Bi9 ). Mary Cambridge Past, Present and Future says in the Cambridge Portas, the Government’s adviser on the future of high streets, News as it launches a petition ( http://bit.ly/qyK2ub ). Online warns that the NPPF will ‘soften’ protection of town centres campaign group 30 Degrees launches its petition against the (Planning £: http://bit.ly/nJ4azY ). George Osborne tells a business planning reforms ( http://bit.ly/nppf38deg ; now at 91,000 meeting: “We are not destroying England’s beautiful signatures). Helen Marshall of CPRE Oxfordshire tells countryside… What we are doing is making sure our economy Buckingham Today that “This shift towards development at all can grow and our people can be housed. Don’t underestimate costs threatens to undermine everything CPRE has worked for our determination to win this argument. That is part of our Plan in the county over the last 80 years” ( http://bit.ly/o5qL2s ). Andy for Growth and let us hear the loud and clear support of the Smith, director of CPRE Surrey branch tells Surrey today: “It business community for it” (New Statesman: http://bit.ly/nTdaGs ). is simply not true that there is nothing in these changes that The CLA criticises CPRE and the National Trust, saying their will affect protected land. A lot of the protections have been “overreaction was provoking ill-informed opposition to the removed… It is meaningless for an MP to say the green belt is presumption in favour of sustainable development” (Farmers safe because it is not. They are just spouting rhetoric” Guardian: http://bit.ly/qPi0s3 ). Members of John Prescott’s Urban (http://bit.ly/q1n7DR ). The Daily Mail reports the UK Task Force say the NPPF risks doing long-term damage to Environmental Law Association saying: “Lawyers will rake in Britain’s cities “undermining 10 years of unbelievably good thousands of pounds fighting drawn-out court battles after the progress in reclaiming brownfield sites and redensifying cities” Government’s controversial planning reforms are brought in” (Building Design: http://bit.ly/oD6fYa ). (http://bit.ly/pmaoPm ). Senior Liberal Democrats give backing to Day 55. 17 Sep . Tom Leveridge for CPRE told the Daily the planning reforms including that the default to any proposed Mail: “The current reforms fail to protect the setting of our development would be “yes” (TI Cornwall: http://bit.ly/ri5Nnj ). At finest landscapes and could see the development of major wind the Liberal Democrat conference, Martin Horwood MP for farms adjacent to national parks and areas of outstanding Cheltenham says the NPPF puts the countryside at risk (TI natural beauty”. The newspaper also reports that the right wing Gloucestershire: http://bit.ly/naJcSi ). In , a group Policy Exchange is preparing to release a report that accuses chairmen of FTSE100 companies claim the “creaking planning ministers of giving too much power to developers and not system is driving investors away and threatening economic enough to local residents ( http://bit.ly/pK2NVg ). Housebuilder recovery, a group of leading businessmen declare today”. Paul Miller Homes says if the government caves into pressure from Miner responds: “no one has produced convincing evidence preservation groups, it will be agreeing to leave tens of that planning is a serious brake on investment” (£: thousands of Britons homeless by the end of the next decade http://thetim.es/oOijNk ; http://thetim.es/qKA1Sr ). (Liverpool Echo: http://bit.ly/npqd8k ). In the Telegraph, Geoffrey Day 57. 20 Sep. In an interview in the Telegraph, former Lean says: “The further you look into the slim, 52-page draft president of CPRE Jonathan Dimbleby says the wording of the NPPF that has caused all the fuss the more horrors there are” reforms is “crass”. The word “business” appears in the (http://tgr.ph/r9AjBI ). In a letter published in the Telegraph, many document about 300 times, while “countryside” is mentioned of the UK’s major sporting bodies complain that “the four times ( http://tgr.ph/pU9VBh ). The Telegraph also says that the community benefits of sport and recreation” are ignored by the Association of British Insurers is worried that the draft NPPF draft planning policy. “ ( http://tgr.ph/ogwv85 ; http://tgr.ph/oOuQgt ). could lead to a “rise in inappropriate developments” in flood CPRE Dorset’s new director calls the NPPF “biggest shift in risk areas. The National Flood Forum says the new framework planning law for more than half a century” ( http://bit.ly/nA8Dr3 ). “has, at a stroke, scrapped the carefully constructed raft of technical guidance, context and definitions built up over years” for flood protection ( http://tgr.ph/nUP4Ho ; http://tgr.ph/pzu5b4 ). In an CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 5 article for the Telegraph, Otto Thoresen director general of the we do want growth and new jobs, but if urban sprawl were the Association of British Insurers says: “We need to be sure the answer to economic development, Spain and Ireland would be NPPF safeguards against poor planning decisions [on the most economically successful countries in Europe. They flooding]. We look forward to being convinced” show us the way not to do it” (LB Observer: http://bit.ly/rmBYnk ). (http://tgr.ph/ncMBFe ). The Daily Mail says the RAC Foundation At a British Property Federation forum, Greg Clark, Fiona and the Campaign for Better Transport are warning building of Reynolds and Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of thousands of new homes in green fields will create traffic chaos Commerce discuss the NPPF. Greg Clark says he will clarify (http://bit.ly/oU19pQ ). Planning magazine suggests that the Liberal the wording on brownfield first, promised a clearer wording on Democrats have a five-point plan for dealing with the NPPF sustainable development and the presumption in favour of fallout. None involve revising the NPPF (£: http://bit.ly/ouecKz ). sustainable development is not a “not to create a regime that is The Wildlife Trusts warn that local sites important for very much more permissive. Quite the reverse.” Liz Peace of England’s wildlife could be under threat from the the British Property Federation admits: “Some of the nuances government’s controversial planning reforms (Guardian: are not right. The phrase ‘the default answer to development http://bit.ly/qNfN0O ; WT: http://bit.ly/pT81A3 ). CPRE Protect Kent proposals is yes’ is not statesmanlike. It is more like a says the NPPF is “a developer’s dream and conservationist’s newspaper headline” (Guardian: http://bit.ly/qe2Gzo ; Telegraph: nightmare” ( http://bit.ly/qaCnWh ). In a letter to The Times, Shaun http://tgr.ph/oBY2Qn ; Times £: http://thetim.es/oytXhI ). Conservative Spiers says: “simply weakening the planning system in an councillors on Bucks County Council attacked the NPPF, one effort to generate economic growth is a desperate, bargain- saying our countryside has been “trampled into the ground in basement solution to deep-seated economic problems that we the playing fields of Eton” (Bucks Herald: http://bit.ly/psSOjr ; will all regret in the long term” (£: http://thetim.es/r71Svd ). Also in http://bit.ly/qCmrqO ). the Times, Simon Jenkins responds to a developers’ letter Day 60. 23 Sep. The Telegraph reports that Greg Clark told saying: “self-serving rubbish. The letter writers were unable to the BPF yesterday that critics of the NPPF misunderstood the cite a single case of a ‘worthwhile project’ whose refusal by document, but said he would clarify address the omission of planners has ‘driven investors away’ or ‘taken years to deliver brownfield first policy, clarify the 20% extra housing land a decision’. They have been conned by a group of housing supply (“it’s a buffer”), and “I think the presumption in favour developers eager to grab some attractive greenfield sites for of sustainable development requires sustainability to be there, their portfolios” (£: http://thetim.es/nWcME2 ). to be guaranteed” (Telegraph: http://tgr.ph/oBY2Qn ). Hilary Day 58. 21 Sep. The Telegraph and the BBC report that McGrady, National Trust director for Sussex tells the Sussex David Cameron has written to Fiona Reynolds saying: “I Times “We are now in a race against time to stop these believe that sustainable development has environmental and reforms” ( http://bit.ly/mUmLLB ). In the Guardian, John Rhodes of social dimensions as well as an economic dimension, and we Qod, one of the authors of the Practitioners Draft, defends the fully recognise the need for a balance between the three” NPPF and says those protesting haven’t read it (http://tgr.ph/nFYW2x ; full letter: http://tgr.ph/q2Bht3 ). One pro-NPPF (http://bit.ly/n0kmfW ). In the Telegraph, Sue Holden of the lobbyist @oliverhartwich tweets: “Oh dear: David Cameron is Woodlands Trust says “the Prime Minister’s reassurance will already giving in on #NPPF”. In the Telegraph, Andy still not offer legal protection for ancient woodland” and the Boddington says the NPPF “opens a legal route for gipsy and draft planning policy will undermine our future efforts to traveller sites in the green belt” ( http://tgr.ph/qCN0D4 ). A letter protect ancient woods and trees ( http://tgr.ph/r2ofl9 ). Supporting from Jo Watkins, President of the Landscape Institute says the the NPPF, the CEO if the Construction Industry Council says: pledges in the Natural Environment White Paper are ignored “we are in danger at one extreme of creating a vacuum that by the Government’s planning proposals ( http://tgr.ph/o54kk3 ). would be the worst of all possible worlds; and at the other of The Daily Mail says ministers hope the reforms will lead to sacrificing clarity for brevity” (24dash: http://bit.ly/nsjUYQ ). In 120,000 homes a year. Shaun Spiers responded: “The proposed the Times, Simon Cowell of the National Trust and planning changes will result in more executive homes being built on lawyer Karen Cooksley go head to head on whether the NPPF greenfield sites. This is great for developers’ profit margin, but threatens green spaces (£: http://thetim.es/r7SwrW ). In a letter to not affordable housing” ( http://bit.ly/n0yYpP ). A consortium of The Times, the presidents of the CLA, NFU and CAAV (rural environmental bodies including the Chartered Institution of land valuers) said: “Rural areas need affordable homes and Water and Environmental Management write to the prime opportunities for business growth and new jobs — even more minister warning that the proposals “are draconian in the than our towns and cities” (£: http://thetim.es/qDemV6 ). extreme” and remove many environmental safeguards Day 61. 24 Sep. In the Telegraph Geoffrey Lean writes a established over generations (Edie: http://bit.ly/nWICH9 ). mock letter to George Osborne exposing flaws in his Oxfordshire’s Coalition MPs write to the Oxford Times and arguments and calling for reasoned debate (Telegraph: other local newspapers claiming that CPRE Oxfordshire’s fears http://tgr.ph/pwnjc9 ). The Telegraph also reports that James over planning reforms were wrong and claiming: “These O’Shaughnessy, head of policy at 10 Downing Street briefed reforms put power firmly in the hands of local people” senior members of the property and construction industry that (http://bit.ly/nppfballs ). the “NPPF won’t just be shorter and simpler, it will trigger Day 59. 22 Sep. In front page headlines, Helena Whall of more development” ( http://tgr.ph/rb4CIt ). CPRE Oxfordshire told the Oxford Times that forty-one Day 62. 25 Sep . The Sunday Telegraph reports that prices of villages could be excluded from the Oxford green belt large houses in the green belt could fall by a third under the (http://bit.ly/nTiCyN ). The Kent director of the National Trust tells NPPF ( http://tgr.ph/nG8whv ). Bob Neill insists that the NPPF is Kent Online the NPPF “masquerades as a manifesto for not a material planning consideration despite it being used in localism; in reality it is just a developer’s charter” an appeal decision in Rutland, and in council decisions in (http://bit.ly/osoABv ). The Telegraph reports minister Oliver and Redditch. Paul Miner of CPRE says “It is Letwin saying the main issues were a lack of demand for worrying that the NPPF is already being implemented despite homes and problems of developers raising finance, not the being out for consultation still and could cause a lot of harm to planning system ( http://tgr.ph/oBD6zj ). Buckinghamshire County the countryside” ( http://tgr.ph/nwy6RE ). The Wildlife Trusts says Council leader says: “Buckinghamshire is open for business, CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 6

40,000 wildlife sites covering 711,000 hectares are threatened proposals – as is our local democracy” ( http://bit.ly/oc6CTM ). by lack of protection under NPPF 41% of England’s lowland Jamie Weir of Protect Kent tells Kent News: “We need urgent meadows ( http://tgr.ph/nwbOCQ ). In a Sunday Times video, reassurances from Kent’s councils that the existing plans for CPRE’s Kate Houghton and the National Trust’ Geri their districts are bullet-proofed against developers who want Silverstone spoke to Rod Little in one of his typically madcap to build what they want, where they want, not where the people interviews. The NHF and local residents also spoke (£: of Kent need it” ( http://bit.ly/peYq4v ). Redhill Life reports that http://thetim.es/pzIWFo ). Also in the Sunday Times, CPRE said Tandridge District Council and local residents’ groups are set 313,000 homes would be built on greenfield or green-belt land, to meet Greg Clark to discuss the NPPF and the Surrey green 75,000 of which will in green belts, with a further 1,500 acres belt ( http://bit.ly/ndYWR4 ). The Association of Convenience being lost to commercial and industrial developments. Paul Stores said the NPPF could deter retailers from investing in Miner said: “At the moment a huge number of developments town centres (Planning £: http://bit.ly/qx1Kyj ). [are] being proposed on the back of the statement the Day 66. Sep 29. The National Trust publishes its 10-point government has made that the default answer to development is Planning for People manifesto, which calls for changes to the yes” (£: http://thetim.es/o9D84u ). NPPF and abolition of clause 130 of the Localism Bill which Day 63. Sep 26. The government is breaking pledge to keep encourages planning permission for cash. The Telegraph says developers off farmland, CPRE says in the Independent: “We that it is a “crucial moment in the planning debate” (NT: find it astonishing that the Government appears to be reneging http://bit.ly/oz4sHX ; Inside Housing: http://bit.ly/riqcVs ; Telegraph: on the Conservative pledge to strengthen such protection” http://tgr.ph/mZdnk1 ). The BPF welcomes the “manifesto” before (http://ind.pn/qn4Soo ). In the Daily Mail, CPRE said developers criticising it point by point ( http://bit.ly/r433Bb ). Caroline Flint were to exploit the changes in planning rules to build 300,000 tells the Labour Party conference that ‘planning policy is houses on greenfield sites, including 75,000 in the green belt chaos’ (Telegraph: http://tgr.ph/qhdQxn ). In the Times, planning (http://bit.ly/pfXNuw ). Bob Neill says criticism by the National lawyer Matthew White says: “The more attempts to simplify Trust and Daily Telegraph would not stop the introduction of a the law the more complicated it becomes. Every new National Planning Policy Framework: “I don’t believe that the government says it wants to simplify the planning system. But process will be derailed, but we’re more than willing to talk the result is usually the opposite” (£: http://thetim.es/paDDqm ). The seriously about some practical issues” (Property Week: Telegraph leads with the story that Richard McCarthy, who has http://bit.ly/onCza3 ). In the Guardian, George Monbiot: “the overseen planning reforms at CLG is joining Capita Symonds, planning system is in urgent need of reform—in the opposite which advises major developers on planning and construction direction to the one the government is proposing” (http://tgr.ph/ntP5XY ). Mike Tyce of Oxfordshire CPRE responds (http://bit.ly/nFgp8o ). to a letter from the county’s coalition MPs (Sep 21) and says: Day 64. Sep 27 . The National Trust tells the Press “they have either not read it, or not understood it, or are being Association that 100,000 people demand a rethink on NPPF economical with the truth… Time to tear this harmful nonsense (http://bit.ly/mRslmV ). Shadow ministers tell Inside Housing the up and start again” ( http://bit.ly/tycehits ). Comet 24 reports that deadline for responses to the draft national planning policy Hertfordshire CPRE has condemned the NPPF believing that framework should be put back at least two months, and there they would make it easier for developments to be pushed should be time a parliamentary debate ( http://bit.ly/qVUb0h ). The through in green belt and other currently protected areas in the Arts Council criticises the new planning rules for ignoring county ( http://bit.ly/p5eZ8z ). In the Evening Standard, Alex Walsh culture ( http://bit.ly/qmGd62 ). In a letter to the Telegraph, the writes that the NPPF could have dire consequences for playing Environmental Law Foundation said the framework will fields in London ( http://bit.ly/n4glgn ). promote the adversarial tendency in the planning process, not Day 67. Sep 30. The Telegraph leader says: “the National the partnership that the Government encourages Trust has put forward some important ideas for turning this (http://tgr.ph/qVpkaB ). Labour MP Jack Dromey claimed that policy into the paragon of rural protection that ministers claim” government planning reforms would lead to “ghettoisation” and says “we are now approaching the point where [David and urged ministers to clarify changes to the use of greenfield Cameron’s] fine words need to be translated into changes” to sites for development ( http://bit.ly/reULPH ). the NPPF ( http://tgr.ph/mZdnk1 ). The chairman of the Day 65. Sep 28. In the Telegraph, complains that Conservative Property Forum tells the Telegraph that MPs are “mute” on the NPPF while their constituents are “ministers “know nothing” about planning and have to be “told protesting. He says that David Cameron’s promises to CPRE the facts” by developers because they have “never been in the and the National Trust cannot be delivered by the current NPPF real world” ( http://tgr.ph/p3y2cZ ). In a letter to the Isle of Wight (http://tgr.ph/neSDjZ ). The Telegraph also reports the view of the County Press, Islandwatch says: “You don’t have long to save Planning Officers Society that the NPPF is “likely to include the Island” ( http://bit.ly/nf1pWt ). excessive land releases, resulting in blight or sporadic Day 68. Oct 1. CPRE launches its ‘Silence of the Plans’ development” ( http://tgr.ph/qgAAIX ; POS: http://bit.ly/oT34V0 ). campaign, saying 48% of councils will not have a core strategy Labour MP Jack Dromey claims that government planning in place when changes to the NPPF takes effect on 1 April reforms would lead to “ghettoisation” and calls the 2012. 17% of councils are in the ‘red alert’ zone where their government’s decision to abolish regional strategies Core Strategies are not due until 2013 or 2014. Shaun Spiers “catastrophic” (Guardian: http://bit.ly/reULPH ). In the Times, says: “All local authorities need to get their plans in place. But Alice Thomson says: “This is an urban issue as much as a rural there also needs to be enough time and money available for one. Those fighting to put life back into our ailing towns fear them to do this and to consult with their local communities” that the new planning laws will instead suck the life out of (PA: http://bit.ly/mYUjje ; Inside Housing: http://bit.ly/mRsUoE ; them, as building contractors move to concrete over greener, Telegraph: http://tgr.ph/rtP4ue ; Planning £: http://bit.ly/okCWK5 ; more pleasant lands” (£: http://thetim.es/mYnCGf ). In the Guardian, 24dash: http://bit.ly/nMai5t ). On BBC Radio Stoke, Andy Green Party leader Caroline Lucas says: “Planning reforms are Boddington says red zone Cheshire East is particularly bigger threat to our countryside than forest sell-off. Every field, vulnerable and England deserves a “world class planning hedgerow, marsh, heath and moor is jeopardised by these system to protect our great landscapes” ( http://bbc.in/p44L82 , CPRE South East eBulletin. News for September 2011 7

1:50–1.57). In a legal opinion for the RSPB Nathalie Lieven Telegraph, twenty leading lights from the world of arts QC, the environmental barrister who successfully opposed the condemn the NPPF for being silent on culture: building of a third runway at Heathrow, says: “I have no doubt (http://tgr.ph/nvzWyL ). The newspaper also reports that the the draft NPPF lessens the policy protection for SSSIs” government will release brownfield land sufficient for 100,000 (Telegraph: http://tgr.ph/rtP4ue ). Villagers in Waldringfield, homes under its “buy now, pay later” scheme Suffolk tell Sky News that the NPPF will allow a new town to (http://tgr.ph/q86o0Y ). Caroline Spelman told the Tory conference be built on the site of a BT research centre ( http://bit.ly/rgJNbi ). In that “a more sympathetic planning system will help the rural the Telegraph, Geoffrey Lean says: “the existing planning economy to grow” and that the government was committed to system was largely responsible for bringing about the green belt (PA: http://bit.ly/npGs6B ; Inside Housing: Manchester’s extraordinary regeneration, and that the proposed http://bit.ly/rk2Utp ). The Basingstoke Gazette reports that National Planning Policy Framework threatens to prevent such Conservative-led Hampshire County Council is to send a miracles in future”. He also reports David Cameron as referring “robust response” to the NPPF consultation, fearing that its to his newspaper as the “f------Telegraph” for its stance on the strategic green gaps would be under threat ( http://bit.ly/pheNYA ). NPPF ( http://tgr.ph/ovMpza ). The Daily Mirror reports that the Kate Henderson chief executive of the Town and Country “countryside is in danger of being turned into a building site if Planning Association criticised campaigners against the NPPF, councils fail to update planning policies by April” including the Telegraph Hands Off Our Land campaign (Inside (http://bit.ly/mWijXm ). This is Gloucestershire says Cheltenham Housing: http://bit.ly/rfWK6w ). Borough Council believes planning reforms will be a “massive Day 70. Oct 3. In a summary of weekend news on the NPPF, mistake” for the town ( http://bit.ly/nsa4ej ). the Telegraph reports that David Cameron pointedly refused to Day 69. Oct 2 . In the Sunday Telegraph, Bill Bryson warns endorse Angus Maude’s “bollocks” criticism while Eric Coalition against turning England into a suburban nation, Pickles told Sky News: “I don’t think that we’re at the point of saying: “Britain still has the most reliably beautiful countryside embracing. But we are prepared to sit down and start looking at of anywhere in the world. I would hate to be part of the any individual objection” ( http://tgr.ph/qTmTR8 ). A LibDem generation that allowed that to be lost… what you don’t want Bradford MP calls for NPPF to be clarified to ensure green belt to do is to take Britain, which has worked well as a land in the district is not allowed to “disappear under urban predominantly urban nation, and try to create some new 21st sprawl” (T&A: http://bit.ly/rb6Gv9 ). The Times reports that century suburbia. That’s madness… Especially if your ministers will redraft the NPPF to placate countryside justification is some kind of temporary boost to the economy. campaigners by making the protections for rural England That’s double madness – madness compounded by imbecility. clearer. It claims that Greg Clark is currently going the draft The Government talks as if the planning system is an NPPF line by line with the National Trust (£: impediment to growth. I would say it stops foolish or greedy http://thetim.es/mYjYvB ). The Telegraph leader condemns the people being rapacious to the built environment” intemperate language from ministers and says “Francis (http://tgr.ph/nppfbryson ). In a letter to the Sunday Times, Bill Maude’s outburst suggests the consultation on planning reform Bryson, Sir Andrew Motion, Antony Beevor, Dame Joan is a sham” ( http://tgr.ph/q04lC5 ). CPRE Hampshire’s Test Valley Bakewell, Viscount John Julius , Sir Max Hastings, chairman John Cooper tells the Romsey Advertiser that the Michael Palin, Michael Wood, Richard Mabey, Rick Stein, Test Valley is under threat from planning reforms Robert Macfarlane, Sister Wendy Beckett, Tony Robinson, (http://bit.ly/ojmjKU ). Planning magazine reports that more than a Kate Adie and Vanessa Redgrave say: “We believe the dozen of the leading organisations lobbying for changes to the government’s proposals for planning reform could NPPF have held talks to thrash out common ground. They irrecoverably damage the countryside, one of our finest included the RTPI, British Property Federation, Friends of the national assets” (£: http://thetim.es/nCgykR ). At the Conservative Earth, CPRE, the Town and Country Planning Association, the conference, Bob Neill said: “It is not and never has been our Home Builders Federation, and the National Trust. Shaun intention to give carte blanche for building all over the Spiers said afterwards: “There may well be some unlikely countryside… It is wrong to suggest we are undermining the alliances as a result of these talks. Certainly the BPF has some green belt”. He promised greater clarity on what “sustainable” good points to make on brownfield land”. The BPF welcomed means in practice – and what the government’s definition of calls from the National Trust for a more explicit requirement to “countryside” is (BBC: http://bbc.in/oWuq5w ). The Observer develop brownfield land before greenfield sites and that the reported the “revelation” that the NPPF will lead to less planning system should not be used as a blunt tool to affordable housing and deletes the planning rule that private “proactively drive development” (£: http://bit.ly/nuXb5m ). CLG developments of 15 properties or more contain an element of rebuts claims in the Observer that the NPPF will undermine affordable housing. The NHF which had been previously affordable housing provision ( http://bit.ly/raoi1i ). In Surrey, cheerleading for the NPPF said that the changes will represent Sunbury resident’s association publishes its draft response to a major setback for affordable home building the NPPF saying good “rules are safeguards against the greedy (http://bit.ly/otNXFC ). The NT tells Kent News: “precious and acquisitive” ( http://bit.ly/pIedRu ). Eric Pickles tells the Tory greenfield sites around towns such as Ashford and Tunbridge conference: “Our countryside is one of the best things that Wells [will] be up for grabs to every developer and volume makes Britain great, and we will protect it” (Guardian: house builder” ( http://bit.ly/qSi6cf ). Attacking opponents of the http://bit.ly/nOMt47 ; PA: http://bit.ly/rqFkFK ; Speech: NPPF, Cabinet Minister Angus Maude tells the Observer: “this http://tgr.ph/mT04Dt ). Farming Minister Jim Paice also defended idea that creating a presumption in favour of sustainable the NPPF (Farmers Guardian: http://bit.ly/qyjf77 ). The Uxbridge development is somehow a massive erosion of the ability to Gazette reports that Hillingdon Council is angry that under the conserve is bollocks” ( http://ind.pn/qpOyzJ ). Under the headline, NPPF “our own local development plan would have to be “Villagers’ rights demolished after builders hand Tories £4m”, revised to put Green Belt under threat” ( http://bit.ly/n3rJkd ). The the Sunday Times said that Tory donors had forced the National Trust and NHF hit out at the NPPF removes the government to drop clauses on the third party right of appeal section 106 requirement which says that private developments and promoting compensation for nearby house owners from the of 15 homes or more must contain an element of affordable NPPF (£: http://thetim.es/r4C3dY ). In a letter to the Sunday housing (24dash: http://bit.ly/okkwtq ).