Winter 2020 Fieldwork © Shutterstock

Brownfield potential undermines Inside this issue the case for planning deregulation Restoring a Peak District view p3 PRE’s state of brownfield report permission for over half a million for 2020, Recycling our land, (565,564) units on brownfield land. How affordable homes Chas found that local authority In order to make best use of boost rural life p4, 12 brownfield registers contain enough suitable brownfield land, CPRE is land for 1.3 million new homes – and urging the government to introduce Protecting our peatlands p5 that over half a million of these a genuine ‘brownfield first’ policy, already have planning permission. which ensures that previously The latest good ideas The figures demonstrate that there developed land is prioritised for from the CPRE network p7 is already suitable land in the planning redevelopment instead of building system to meet the government’s on green spaces and countryside. A tree strategy for England p8 ambition to build 300,000 homes Such a policy could revitalise our Celebrating our volunteers p11 per year for the remainder of this urban areas and provide homes near parliament, without putting greenfield existing infrastructure (as shown Our response to sites at risk. This calls into question above, in Leeds) while allowing planning changes p13-15 the controversial plans to deregulate greenfield land to continue to provide the planning system contained in their accessible open space, wildlife Decarbonising rural planning white paper. Our analysis habitats and ecosystem services. transport p16 also demonstrates that the planning Furthermore, brownfield land is system is not slowing building rates, currently a growing resource, with when there is currently planning the 1.3 million homes it could currently Continued on p2 CONTACTS COVER STORY

Fieldwork Brownfield potential Volume 17, Issue 3 undermines the case for Editor planning deregulation Oliver Hilliam Continued from p1 [email protected] Fieldwork is the newsletter accommodate representing an increase of allow developers to build hundreds of of the CPRE The countryside 19% on the 1.077 million figure we reported thousands of poorly located new homes charity, published in April, in our 2019 research. CPRE is calling in the countryside threatening locally August and November. for the retention and improvement of valued green space and completely CPRE is the countryside brownfield registers and the development undermining government ambitions for charity that campaigns to of a national brownfield map to ensure urban regeneration. For instance, the promote, enhance and this capacity continues to grow and is proposed system would vastly inflate protect the countryside for harnessed effectively. To that end, we housing targets in rural areas like Cumbria everyone’s benefit, wherever want to see housing investment funding (178% increase) and the Cotswolds (148%), they live. reformed to encourage the regeneration while decreasing them urban areas like

ISSN 1744-8905 (Print) of the midlands and the north of England, Manchester (-37%) and Gloucester (-12%). ISSN 1744-8913 (Online) both areas with huge potential to benefit from urban regeneration. Local authorities Scope for compromise should also have increased control of The government’s proposals would the order in which development land is undoubtedly put a higher number of green built, so that suitable brownfield sites field sites under even greater pressure. are prioritised – with an emphasis on With a new zonal planning system affordability and high design standards potentially giving outline permission for in subsequent building. all suitable development sites across CPRE The countryside charity huge areas of land, and little or no local 5-11 Lavington Street discretion as to the order in which these London SE1 0NZ A misdiagnosed problem T 020 7981 2800 CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman sites should be built, it would be almost F 020 7981 2899 commented: ‘These figures clearly show impossible to prevent developers from [email protected] that the planning system is not what is cherry-picking green field sites while www.cpre.org.uk ailing our housing market. If there is enough leaving urban brownfield land unused. @CPRE land in the planning system to meet the CPRE will continue campaigning for

Campaign to Protect Rural government’s own housing targets, what a locally led, democratic planning system England is a company limited by will an overhaul of the planning system, that promotes a genuinely ‘brownfield first’ guarantee, registered in England, with rushed and untested changes, really policy and brings forward more brownfield number 4302973. Registered charity number 1089685. achieve?’ One of many politicians who sites for development. Crispin Truman All the articles and features have been quoting CPRE briefings in their concluded: ‘As things stand, the within this publication are statements opposing the government’s government’s proposed changes will copyright of the CPRE and may plans is Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely, who result in a free for all, allowing big not be reprinted or distributed without the prior written consent commented on our new research: ‘This is housebuilders to build what they like, of the publishers. important information. It shows that we do where they like, and when they like. not need to be pushing through low-density, Now more than ever is it vital that the greenfield development. I hope that government listens to local communities.’ ministers will read this report – brownfield We remain hopeful that our messages development is better for the environment are getting through, and the day after and less dependent on new infrastructure.’ 46 MPs repeated CPRE arguments against the planning white paper in October’s Brownfield is better for the commons debate, the housing minister environment and less dependent Robert Jenrick pledged to ‘give careful on new infrastructure. thought’ to changing the algorithm. Mr Jenrick said that there was ‘scope for In research released on 1 October, CPRE compromise on where homes are built’ and argued that the government’s proposed spoke of the need for ‘more investment, new housing formula or ‘algorithm’ will fail more regeneration and renewal’ in ‘great to deliver the affordable new homes that cities in the midlands and the north.’ communities desperately need. Instead, Read our full state of brownfield 2020 we showed that the new formula will report at cpre.org.uk/resources

2 Fieldwork Winter 2020 SUCCESSES IN THIS ISSUE

Featured Break through contents How volunteers are making a difference Brownfield potential undermines the case for planning deregulation p1 Nature Recovery Networks p4 Rural affordable housing a win-win p4 Citizens agree on the need for climate action p4 Druridge Bay saved from opencast mining p5 Banning peat burning p5 Investing in offshore wind p5 Devon’s best churchyard p6 Meet CPRE Shropshire’s chair p6 CPRE Gloucestershire’s latest awards p7 A reprieve for Wincheap Water Meadows A Tree Preservation Order in Berkshire p7 CPRE Kent and local community area of high landscape value within the Dorset’s local shops campaigners were celebrating in October, designated Stour Valley Green Corridor. in lockdown p7 when Canterbury City Council announced After some fantastic crowdfunding, CPRE its intention to revoke its own planning Kent’s legal challenge was due to be heard Community support for Cumbria’s trees p8 permission to extend a car park over a in early 2021, on grounds including the water meadow. failure to carry out an Environmental Impact Creating a tree strategy Last October, the council approved Assessment and misleading claims that the for England p8 the highly controversial plans to extend plans would not have a harmful effect on the Saving hedgerows its Wincheap Park & Ride car park on to landscape. However, the council’s decision in Bedfordshire p9 a large stretch of floodplain next to the has pre-empted any judgement and follows Locally valued landscapes River Stour, an area of beautiful and Highways England’s refusal to sign off a in West Lancashire p10 biodiverse green space. To support the planned slip road, rendering the proposed Maintaining rural character Save Wincheap Water Meadows campaign, changes to the park & ride redundant. in the Mendips p10 CPRE Kent called for a judicial review of With campaigners fearing the plans could Celebrating CPRE’s latest the decision to construct 228 parking be revisited in revised form, CPRE Kent award winners p11 spaces over this local wildlife site in an continues to monitor the situation. Golf course planning conditions p12 Restoring a Peak District view Affordable housing on small sites p12 After a ten-year campaign against intrusive Park. Both landscapes will be able to The impact of the pylons spoiling the view of a nationally offer so much more natural beauty and housing algorithm p13 important landscape, CPRE Peak District tranquillity to residents and visitors, Extending permission and South Yorkshire welcomed Barnsley boosting the local tourist economy, once in principle p13 Metropolitan Borough Council’s decision, overhead wires covering a distance of Two films with a earlier this year, to approve the National 1.8km are replaced by underground cables difference p14 Grid application to remove them. running beneath the Trans Pennine Trail. In the Upper Don Valley at Dunford The scheme is one of four ‘visual impact The future of the planning system p15 Bridge, the seven pylons in question are provision’ projects recommended by CPRE striking vertical intrusions marring the and other stakeholders to mitigate the The case against oil p15 openness of Barnsley’s Green Belt and impact of the National Grid network on Decarbonising rural the setting of the Peak District National National Parks and AONBs. transport p16

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 3 OTHER NEWS CAMPAIGN NEWS

Restoring our hedgerows CPRE welcomed the recent announcement of News round-up Natural England’s Nature Keeping you on top of the latest relevant issues Recovery Networks, which we believe could help address the climate emergency while ensuring Rural affordable housing a win-win that local countryside can be enhanced for the s the latest statistics show that this would provide a huge boost to jobs benefit of people and homelessness in rural areas had and the economy, saving thousands in wildlife. CPRE chief Adoubled in the past two years, council’s housing costs and even cutting executive Crispin Truman new research from CPRE in partnership the government’s budget deficit. commented: ‘We want with the English Rural housing association However, under the government’s major to see the planting and and the Rural Services Network has found overhaul of the planning system, there restoring of hedgerows that investing in affordable rural housing could be even fewer genuinely affordable centre stage in the will ‘turbocharge’ the rural economy. homes delivered. Rural councils predict Nature Recovery Network. The number of households categorised potential falls of up to 50% in affordable The government has put as homeless in rural local authorities rose house building if the duty for developers great emphasis on tree to 19,975 – an increase of 115% from 2017/18. to build affordable homes on small sites planting in recent years, And while it is well known that affordable is removed for those under 40 or 50 units, which is welcome, but rural homes create sustainable communities, (see ‘Affordable housing on small sites’, we want to see equal the new jointly commissioned research, page 12). CPRE is urging the government ambition in the shape conducted by Pragmatix Advisory, goes to safeguard rural communities by of hedgerows. Not only further in showing how these homes can exempting them from proposals, with are they great for wildlife, help reduce rural disadvantage while chief executive Crispin Truman saying: including hedgehogs, boosting the economy. For every 10 new ‘We cannot accept that nine in ten care birds and insects, but affordable homes built, it found that the workers are priced out of rural areas by they are an icon of the economy will be boosted by £1.4 million, private rents. Investing in rural social English countryside and supporting 26 jobs and generating housing now would deliver a boost to are invaluable in tackling £250,000 in tax revenue. When multiplied by rural communities at a time when this the climate emergency. the number of affordable homes needed, is so desperately needed.’ The Nature Recovery Network provides a golden opportunity to Citizens agree on the need for climate action help increase hedgerow cover by at least 40% he first UK-wide citizens’ assembly Noting that packaging waste has by 2050, which will go a on climate change published its final significant carbon implications, 86% of long way to reaching our Treport in September, giving a clear assembly members supported CPRE’s carbon reduction targets.’ indication of the growing public appetite campaign for a deposit return system The government’s to go further than the government in (DRS) for drinks containers – their report’s objectives for the Nature tackling climate change. most popular measure for increasing Recovery Network include The climate assembly report shows recycling. With some manufacturers improving carbon capture, that the public recognises a need for pressing the government to water down flood management and nature-based solutions, supporting plans for a comprehensive scheme, we’re pollination, and providing initiatives like more tree and hedgerow launching a Litter in lockdown report in better connected planting – a central recommendation of December to remind policy makers that habitats – all of which our Greener, better, faster climate strategy an all-in DRS is vital for creating thousands would be supported by published in July. We were also encouraged of jobs and promoting the reuse and restoring hedgerows. to see the climate assembly report recycling of our resources within a low By 2042, the initiative will revealing a high demand for affordable carbon economy. aim to restore 75% of and low carbon public transport. This is in CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman protected sites to a stark contrast to the current government concluded: ‘The climate assembly has favourable condition for plans to spend £27 billion on roads, made it very clear there can be no more wildlife, and create or which we’re arguing should be diverted avoiding tough choices and that the public restore 500,000 hectares to reconnecting rural communities with are ready. It’s critical the government of additional habitat. better bus and rail options. provides leadership now.’

4 Fieldwork Winter 2020 OTHER NEWS

A watershed moment Following the prime minister’s October announcement of increased investment into offshore wind energy, Tom Fyans, campaigns and policy director at CPRE, suggested the plans as ‘could be a watershed moment where political will meets decisive action to tackle the climate emergency like the emergency it is.’ The prime minister confirmed that offshore wind will produce more Druridge Bay saved from opencast mining than enough electricity to power every home in the ack in 2016, Northumberland Sajid Javid overturned the inspector’s country by 2030, based on County Councillors overwhelmingly recommendation and decided against current electricity usage, Bvoted to support Banks Mining’s the mine. But Banks called for a judicial boosting the government’s application to extract millions of tonnes of review, with the High Court ruling that previous 30GW target polluting coal from a massive site near the the decision had to be reviewed by the to 40GW. picturesque and tranquil Druridge Bay – present secretary of state Robert Jenrick. CPRE believes the a mecca for ‘twitchers’ thanks to its On 8 September 2020, his office published government should also wealth of migrant bird visitors. his decision in a report which came be investing in the gold At the public inquiry in 2017, evidence down on the side of protecting the standard of ‘renewables was given on behalf of CPRE North East environment, leading Banks to rule out a done well’ – where new by ‘Pitch’ Wilson – the veteran defender further appeal – a great victory for all the investment becomes a of cherished landscapes from opencast opponents of what would have been a cornerstone of local workings. The then communities secretary hugely damaging development. enterprise and jobs, with new schemes supported or owned by Banning the burn local communities and delivering wider benefits ast month saw CPRE join a coalition CPRE’s August analysis of land use data to the rural economy. of environmental organisations found that emissions from UK peatland We also believe it is critical Lcalling on the government to ban could cancel out all carbon emissions that the infrastructure deliberate burning on peatland. reduction achieved through new and built to bring the energy Together with groups including the existing forests, unless the government onshore is delivered as National Trust, Friends of the Earth and takes action on restoring and rewetting sensitively as possible, the Soil Association, we argued a ban our peatlands. At least 18.5 million tonnes and that these new would demonstrate climate leadership in of greenhouse gas emissions, mostly investments must benefit the run up to UN climate talks being held carbon dioxide, are emitted from degraded the rural and coastal in the UK next year. Earlier in October, peatlands every year in the UK – 55% of communities that will Daniel Carey-Dawes, marked the start which is from England, despite it having host them. By continuing of the peat burning season by pointing only a quarter of the UK’s peatland area. down an ambitious path out that the practice damages the peat Based on current government tree planting to net-zero carbon bog mosses that are key to the process ambitions (30,000 hectares per year by emissions, we believe the of sequestering carbon. He added: 2025), an estimated 18.5 million tonnes of UK government will have ‘The government’s climate change carbon dioxide equivalent emissions would real leverage to inspire advisers have called for a 2020 ban on be captured through new and existing greater international burning and now is the ideal time for the forests annually, but not before 2050 to climate action at the government – in a strong England Peat 2055. That’s why CPRE is arguing that action COP 26 climate conference Strategy – to say how and when it will on emissions from degraded peatland next year in Glasgow. deliver on this ambition.’ must accompany other natural solutions.

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 5 REPORTAGE

Devon’s best churchyard 2020 marked CPRE Devon’s third annual letterfrom search for the churchyard which achieves the best balance between providing tranquillity for thefield people, encouraging Words from local campaigners biodiversity and benefitting the local community. This year’s churches were spread far and wide geographically, with the judges really valuing the number of Why I’m a trustee for CPRE entries in spite of the restraints imposed on o celebrate national Trustees’ Week our campaigns are focused and beneficial those trying to adhere to in November, we asked CPRE to the countryside. I have loved every management plans and TShropshire’s chair Connor Furnival minute. I’ve learned so much about the grass cutting regimes. how he got involved, and how being a wider Shropshire landscape history The judges thoroughly local CPRE trustee can make a difference. and about planning and environmental enjoyed visiting every I grew up in Telford, a very urban solutions to the climate crisis. And I have entry and thanked the new town surrounded by the famous met some fantastic people along the way volunteers who look after Shropshire Hills. When I was younger, who come from all walks of life, from these wonderful places. I would walk miles to the Wrekin and Lords and students to professors and As a special mark of Lilleshall Hill to sit in peace and exclude volunteers – who will travel miles to help appreciation during this myself from life’s complications, even out the countryside. difficult year, all those if only for a few minutes. I’ve always The support within the CPRE network not awarded one of the considered the countryside as my is great for everyone involved as we prestigious oak plaques ‘safe place’. I started volunteering in my share the values of the charity and even for winners and runners’ local community with litter picking, and at find common ground on our differences. up will receive a the same time became a parish councillor. What I dislike is the perception of a certificate of merit. As a result I became aware of CPRE minority that CPRE is for the rich and only October saw the and instantly fell in love with their ethos, interested in keeping large estates clear winner of the 2020 ambitions and history. I was invited to a from any sprawling development, when competition announced community hall event where my local CPRE that is not the case. But I would like to as St Margaret’s Church, group were giving a talk about their work see more urban-focused campaigning Northam, whose and after the talk I approached the trustees outside of London, to get people in the churchwarden Cath Ellis to offer any help. midlands communities to connect with the said: ‘We are thrilled to Now, as chairman of CPRE Shropshire, countryside and CPRE more. If they won’t be this year’s winner. I’m liaising with our staff and other come to us initially, we need to go to them. We have entered before trustees day to day, to ensure we are an My advice for anyone thinking of and received positive operational and effective charity and that volunteering for CPRE would be even if you feedback, so it’s feel out of your depth at first, don’t let that wonderful that the judges be a barrier. The support and guidance recognised all the hard along the way is so helpful and the things work we have put into you will learn will open your eyes. It can improving our churchyard. seem as though no one is listening to our This space is particularly messages, but keep shouting the good special to the people of work of CPRE from the rooftop because Northam because we do you will get someone’s attention, and not have a park or a village they’ll be thinking of CPRE and the state green. Maintaining it has of the countryside. Goals achieved! become a real community effort, with everyone Find out more about volunteering committed to making it and trustee opportunities at a peaceful haven.’ Connor (centre) at a CPRE Shropshire Green Clean cpre.org.uk/volunteering

6 Fieldwork Winter 2020 PROJECTS

Local shops in lockdown The latest CPRE Dorset Good ideas magazine, the Dorset Learning from each other Review, has featured an encouraging report from Rupert Hardy on positive trends for local shops during lockdown – including new openings. October saw a new village shop set up in the grounds of the Rose & Crown in Longburton. John and Becky Gibbons, who run the pub, started doing takeaway food and helping those who needed shielding during lockdown. This gave them the idea to create a village shop, The Larder, run by Becky, using a shipping container which they clad in wood with Rural champions shelves made from apple crates. They are selling essentials, locally made CPRE Gloucestershire’s vice chair Richard lighting and heat recovery technology. food and some luxury Lloyd has been out and about for socially- Richard was also delighted to present an items, and have even distanced presentations to their 2020 award to mindSCAPE – a project delivered arranged for a Post Office award winners, including the Midcounties by Artspace Cinderford to connect people mobile van to visit once Co-op store in Bourton-on-the-Water. with dementia and their carers to the a week too. The shop (above) has proved a success mental and physical health benefits of Over in Sturminster with the community since opening three landscape and nature. The project works Marshall, florist Sharon years ago, creating jobs and showcasing through outdoor artwork sessions in the Love has set up outside local produce. Utilising a brownfield Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, and has the Anchor at Shapwick site and natural Cotswold walling stone, helped 2,000 participants increase their using a converted horse the building incorporates concealed wellbeing since 2016. Find out more about box selling flowers photovoltaic roof panels, efficient LED the awards scheme at cpreglos.org.uk and garden ornaments. CPRE Dorset continue to campaign to support Tree Preservation Order protects Piggy Wood village shops, including by running the Best CPRE Berkshire’s Bradfield district quickly sold. Fortunately, West Berkshire Dorset Village Shop chairman Edward Golton recently went Council’s tree officer acted swiftly in competition. In further into action after hearing that ancient response to our concerns, and the encouraging news, one woodland in Thatcham, affectionately concerns of others who had made a similar of the previous winners, known as Piggy Wood, was up for auction application, and TPO notices went up the Duck’s Farm Shop in at short notice. next day. Edward commented: ‘CPRE Portesham, unveiled their Knowing that the sale of the woodland Berkshire fully supports the Thatcham new look shop and more formally known as The Plantation community in the value they place on this extended stock range in couldn’t be prevented, Edward quickly woodland and its biodiversity as a green November. They have made an application for a Tree Preservation lung in this much developed part of added lots of new lines Order (TPO) to protect all the trees on Thatcham. We look forward to the council’s and a dedicated ‘Made in the six-acre site. A TPO can prevent trees continued support in ensuring that future Dorset’ section, extending being felled immediately as so often generations have access to this wonderful their already strong happens in such situations when land is woodland for generations to come.’ offering to the local area.

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 7

Community support for trees Friends of the Lake District, who represent step by step CPRE in Cumbria, recently made a grant of £5,000 from their Love Your Creating a tree strategy for England Landscape fund to the Crosby Ravensworth PRE recently commented on woodland will have been planted or parish tree group. the government’s England Tree allowed to regenerate in AONBs.’ Love your landscape is CStrategy (ETS) consultation, setting part of the Friend’s out the key principles that we believe Support urban and street trees Westmorland Dales should underpin the strategy, and drawing 3 CPRE supports the consultation landscape partnership attention to areas that we believe have proposal to develop ambitious local tree scheme to promote and been omitted from the consultation – in canopy cover targets, and the promotion sustain the rich hidden particular the importance of hedgerows of urban trees is a good starting point heritage of the area. and a landscape character approach. to improve the aesthetics of new and The grant will support existing settlements. However, using this community’s work Protect trees through these in isolation will fail to create green to ensure that trees 1 the planning system infrastructure that delivers for people throughout the parish CPRE believes that the planning system and nature. Guidance must be provided are saved for future is integral to protecting and enhancing so that local authorities consider spatial generations. existing trees and woodland. We welcomed and ecological aspects within localised The parish tree group the updates to the National Planning strategies, for example to ensure native was created in 2019 Policy Framework (NPPF) to protect species are prioritised; planting occurs in following concerns that ancient woodland and trees, yet continued locations that improve access to nature; a number of trees had pressures on this habitat suggests and that there is a long-term maintenance been lost through greater collaboration is needed between plan for newly planted trees. clearance and disease – government departments to ensure that Existing street trees are also important notably ash dieback. other planning policies do not outweigh and do not have enough profile in the ETS Following a major survey those designed to protect and enhance consultation, which doesn’t acknowledge of every tree within nature. Local authority planning the context of local authority cuts to one-third of the parish departments need more guidance and arboricultural teams and budgets for area, a team of 30 local training to implement these updates, replacing trees lost to disease and old age. volunteers of all ages while the final ETS should recognise Community/council partnerships like the began planting trees and that the protection of ancient woodland Plant your Postcode project in Brighton installing tree protection. could be undermined if there is ambiguity can raise funds for street trees while In its first year, 1,768 trees about permitted development rights. promoting their value to local people. were planted, and the new grant will fund a Encourage natural regeneration Engage communities second phase to survey 2 We agree with the consultation 4 CPRE believes that community and plant another third narrative that allowing more natural engagement is vital to the future success of the parish. regeneration (germination from falling of local woodlands, for example by ‘The group was formed seeds) will help ensure trees and working with community groups to by local people who woodlands continue to ‘grow vigorously influence decision-making about the wanted to do something in our future climate and contribute management of their local woodland and to enhance the landscape to the mitigation of climate change’. offering opportunities to participate in and preserve it for Natural regeneration is a great way to its management. CPRE agrees with the future generations rather create new woodland that benefits aspiration to increase the outreach of than for themselves,’ wildlife, enhances landscape character Community Forests with schools, building said tree group chair and benefits the local environment. on and expanding the success of Forest Drew Woodward. ‘This is Trees established by regeneration are Schools. Connecting children and young a community approach to more likely to be better adapted to people to nature and an appreciation of sustain trees throughout local conditions so making them more trees and woodlands is integral to the the parish and represents resilient in the future. future of both. We strongly support the a long term commitment We support the National Association creation of new Community Forests in on behalf of all of the of AONBs’ Colchester Declaration pledge areas of greatest need and benefit to volunteers involved.’ that, by 2030, ‘at least 36,000ha of new people, and for better support to be

8 Fieldwork Winter 2020 Saving hedgerows Earlier this year, CPRE Bedfordshire joined Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council and a local action group in a combined effort to stop a local farm development from destroying around 800 metres of field © Michell Orr/Unsplash hedgerow in Swineshead. They called on Mayor Dave Hodgson and Bedford Borough Council to remain true to the principles of the Mayor’s June announcement of given to those already achieving so much. around 2,000 hectares per year to 10,000 action to help pollinators – Community orchards are increasingly hectares per year by 2025. Agroforestry including by increasing popular as places to engage with should contribute trees and area to those the number of hedgerows nature (while providing opportunities targets. It should be explicitly supported and trees on council land. for local food production) and should by ELMS as one way to increase planting The campaigners were also be part of the final ETS. And as the rates by overcoming landowner and therefore delighted when consultation mentions, it is important to manager resistance to loss of productive the council refused address the barriers people face to land to permanent tree cover. permission for the removal accessing trees and woodlands, especially of all hedgerows specified in places near to where people live. Recognise the importance in the application and Initiatives such as colour-coded circular 6 of hedgerows issued a retention notice. walks often found in Forestry England While the consultation refers to the value CPRE Bedfordshire woods, and Miles without Stiles routes of hedgerow trees, there is no mention response to the farmer’s in several National Parks, should be of the significant contribution hedgerows application argued expanded to more woodlands. make to wildlife, landscape, cultural the hedgerows were heritage and their role in helping to tackle classed as ‘important’ Make trees central to farming the climate emergency. The design of the under the terms of 5 and land management proposed Nature for Climate Fund and Hedgerow Regulations The ETS must be integrated with the Nature Recovery Network Fund, along 1997, and that their design of the government’s Environmental with ELMS, should include measures to removal was contrary Land Management scheme (ELMS), which deliver more hedgerows across the nation, to Local Plan 2030 represents a huge opportunity to deliver but there is a huge opportunity for the policies designed to more tree planting and woodland, as well ETS to include plans to assist with this. ensure that biodiversity is as to encourage natural regeneration protected and enhanced. where suitable. We agree with the ETS Remember landscape character They also argued that consultation paper that there is a need 7 CPRE believes that landscape another local plan policy for clearer policy and incentives to character – what makes an area unique – requires the protection support the uptake of agroforestry across should be an integral part of a Tree and enhancement of the England. Trees can be integrated into Strategy, yet this is currently omitted in key landscape features arable and livestock farming across much the consultation. We suggest that Natural and visual sensitivities of the country, with benefits to overall England’s national character area profiles of landscape character productivity and efficiency of systems that should be used to help identify ‘the right areas. In this case, within will increase economic and environmental place for the right tree’. Landscape and the Risley Clay Farmland resilience while enhancing the landscape. visual impact assessments could also character area, the The final ETS should also refer to be undertaken at the local level to ensure council’s landscape traditional orchards as an important form that any tree planting enhances the strategy is to ‘enhance the of agroforestry, to help reverse their landscape and compliments amenity values elements of the landscape decline since the 1950s. such as viewpoints. which are in declining The government has ambitious plans for condition […] in particular tree planting but needs to rapidly increase Find out more: Read our full response to the hedgerows and planting for England from current rates of the consultation at cpre.org.uk/resources hedgerow and field trees’.

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 9 SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES

Stopping airport Effective expansion solutions for With Bristol Airport your parish appealing against a Parishbeat decision to refuse plans to expand from 10 million to 12 million passengers per year, CPRE Avon and Promoting panoramic views in West Lancashire Bristol is working with the local Parish Council PRE Lancashire has joined the has said would be negatively impacted. Airport Association to parish councils of Scarisbrick, The site, with its proposed 58-space car ensure a strong CWrightington, Newburgh, and park, would be active on a 24-hour basis, community voice at the Burscough in opposing plans for a with subsequent light pollution and an anticipated public inquiry. mushroom farm development and additional 104 HGV movements per day Our campaigners are associated infrastructure on Grade 1 causing further disturbance for wildlife also supporting the agricultural land in the open countryside and local people. Stop Bristol Airport of Scarisbrick. The CPRE objection concluded that campaign group’s effort West Lancashire’s District Plan attempts should be made to find a more to fund a legal challenge recognises the importance of the area’s suitable brownfield site for the business. to the airport’s appeal. landscape character, described as In asking councillors to take into account With only a few days left ‘low undulating land […] with panoramic the cumulative environmental impact on to contribute, and with views’, which CPRE and many local this site, it also urged them to give due the rural character of residents feel would be unacceptably weight to the importance of representative North Somerset at stake, diminished by a large, industrial-style parish council objections in accordance readers can donate via building (unprecedented in size within with the Localism Act 2011. www.crowdjustice.com/ West Lancashire). The low-lying nature Elsewhere in the area, campaigners case/stop-bristol-airport- of the site means the buildings would be are hoping that West Lancashire Borough expansion visible from a wide area and have a major Council may support attempts to overturn impact on the openness of this part of a controversial Lancashire County Council Greener villages the Green Belt. decision to raise the profile of a former Congratulations to the CPRE supports local food production, landfill site at Parbold Hill. The work would winners of the CPRE but this development would mean best and block panoramic views of the surrounding Northern Lincolnshire most versatile farmland land being covered countryside, which on a clear day can Environment Awards for with hard surfaces to grow the mushrooms include the Berwyn Mountains in Wales. 2020. Wroot Parish Council within an enclosed environment. The farm CPRE Lancashire has been supporting were deserving recipients is also between two RAMSAR sites local residents and the parish council in for their work to boost (protected, internationally significant sites objecting to the proposals for this popular biodiversity by creating a for wetland birds) which Natural England Green Belt beauty spot. community orchard and meadow. Situated on a formerly neglected patch Maintaining rural character in the Mendips of land, the planting of saplings of various PRE Somerset have helped a local The threatened site lay wholly within blossoming varieties community avoid a proposal for 148 the parish boundary of St Cuthbert (Out), will be followed by the Chouses which, if permitted, would which since 2011 has seen a 200% increase planting of wildflowers. have reduced the important separation in the population of its north ward due to Elsewhere, St Marks between Wells and Wookey Hole. new builds. The proposal drew over a Community Group in The site was also on the boundary of hundred objections from the local Amcotts was recognised the Mendip Hills AONB, with potential community, with the parish council saying for its work to establish long-term impact on its landscape setting it would have a ‘severe, irreversible impact a bat colony in the village, and dark night skies. Along with local on the AONB and the overall prospect of while Ruth Hilton and people and parish councillors, our Wells’ and would ‘ruin the visual splendour’ Virginia Scatcherd of the campaigners were delighted when the of the surrounding area. Elsewhere in the South Ferriby Gardening plans were rejected as ‘unacceptable’ Mendip Hills, CPRE Somerset recently Team were rewarded for earlier this year, with the decision citing helped to preserve some of the AONB’s their delightful planting. the ‘detrimental impact’ on the city and tranquillity, by successfully objecting to the adjoining AONB from the inevitable plans to operate heavy machinery for ‘loss of rural character’. 24 hours a day at Callow Rock Quarry.

10 Fieldwork Winter 2020 Super connectors CPRE’s national conference also saw two Campaigner recipients of a new award category for ‘Connecting people and countryside’. Susan Pittman has been Celebrating our latest award winners a member of CPRE for more than 30 years and secretary of the Sevenoaks District Committee for almost as

© Wolstenholme Images/Alamy long. As well as being a successful local planning campaigner, she has helped the committee increase engagement with local amenity groups and parish councils. Susan has also organized successful study days PRE’s national conference in Another Special Contribution winner for the public on ‘Reading October proved a great chance was Sandy Kennedy – still a key volunteer the Landscape’ and Cto come together ‘virtually’ and for CPRE Peak District and South identifying and protecting celebrate some of the outstanding efforts Yorkshire at the venerable age of 87. ancient hedgerows. of our volunteer campaigners. Sandy began volunteering for CPRE in Alex Hills has made Geof Murray of CPRE Gloucestershire Sheffield in the mid-1990s and soon a hugely significant was one of a select few winners of a joined the group’s Land Use Planning contribution to CPRE’s prestigious Special Contribution award. Committee as a volunteer. For more than work in Kent and beyond, A central pillar of the CPRE Stroud 25 years he has worked in the office for a connecting people and committee for 15 years (including six years day a week, as well as giving significant countryside in the process. as chairman), he has amassed a formidable input from home. Throughout this time, He has re-energised knowledge of the planning system and Sandy has had a significant influence on local people and campaign its intricacies, and did a huge amount of the group’s involvement in feasibility groups in defence of the work to protect valuable threatened places studies and community engagement on Green Belt, recruiting within the district. Not least of these was rail, airport and road proposals, and has enthusiastic local Baxter’s Field in Laurie Lee’s Slad Valley contributed to many traffic calming or supporters to reform (above), a location that was the subject reduction measures in the national park. an effective Gravesend of a long-running application by Gladman He has also represented CPRE on the campaign. Forging very to build a major housing development. Doncaster Transport Users Group since its good relationships with Opposition to this application attracted inception – working towards a joined up, officers and members national – and even international – attention, functional and carbon reducing public of Gravesham Borough with Geof’s important role praised by transport network. Council, and with local CPRE’s then president, Sir Andrew Motion, Most recently, Sandy has been the media, he has provided in his 2014 AGM speech. group’s media monitoring officer, leadership on lobbying, On his retirement from the chair, Geof keeping colleagues up to date with consultation responses continued his valuable work by creating relevant news from a huge range of and on the submission a detailed database of applications in print and online media. Keeping his finger to the public inquiry. the Cotswolds AONB and their outcomes. on the pulse on health, transport and Alex secured significant CPRE Gloucestershire continues to add environmental issues, Sandy is a vocal improvements for active to this valuable account as a means of proponent of the health benefits of active travel provision in keeping track of how each planning commuting; until very recently he was a Highways England’s plans district performs in its duty to protect this keen cyclist, doing an 11-mile round-trip for improvement to the wonderful landscape. Geof remains a to work two or three times a week. A2/Bean interchange at much-valued member of the committee and We salute the efforts of Sandy, Geof and the heart of the major a trusted source of planning advice, and all the volunteers who have added so Ebbsfleet brownfield his colleagues say that he will be missed much to CPRE’s campaigning around development and acutely following his imminent retirement. our network. Bluewater shopping centre.

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 11 OTHER NEWS ANALYSIS

Riding on the Ryder Cup CPRE campaigners in Lancashire were In review disappointed that Our perspective on countryside issues permission was recently granted for Peel Holding’s Hulton Park golf resort Affordable housing on small sites development proposals. But, they are delighted PRE and Shelter recently Supporting smaller builders that, together with Hulton headed-up a coalition of and affordable homes Estate Area Residents Corganisations who are united in CPRE’s response to the government’s Together (HEART), they opposition to planning changes that consultation rejects the implication that managed to achieve a would make it possible for developers reducing the delivery of affordable housing number of successful to build up to 50 homes without making is a fair price to pay in the short term for conditions to improve the any contribution to affordable housing. boosting the number of homes built by construction, design and We argued this cannot be right at a time small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operation phases of the when social housebuilding has plummeted developers. Indeed, we believe it runs development. The most to its lowest levels for 40 years and when directly counter to the need to prioritise significant of which, more than one million households languish affordable tenures. In particular, there is put forward by CPRE’s on social housing waiting lists. Together, good reason to believe that the proposal Dr Des Brennan, restricts we urged ministers to scrap lifting this will fail on its own terms – landowners are any development subject ‘small sites cap’ and invest in delivering likely to use the change to increase the to the Ryder Cup being genuinely affordable quality homes, prices they charge for development secured. Not only did including homes for social rent, to help land, with little or none of the supposed the inspector recommend people and the economy. cost reductions being passed on to the condition, but the Our joint letter to The Telegraph was SME builders. communities secretary also co-signed by representatives from Supplying homes that are affordable to Robert Jenrick explicitly charities including the Wildlife Trusts, those who need them and enabling SME accepted it as necessary. Greenpeace UK and Friends Of The Earth. builders to enter the industry are two It is possible that this It was sent in the context of analysis from separate policy objectives, which are both condition will effectively the Local Government Association (LGA) important. But they are not interchangeable: stop the development which found that if the duty to build there is no rational basis for asking, from ever happening. affordable housing on sites of up to 50 ‘How much shortfall in affordable homes CPRE will work with homes had been scrapped five years ago, shall we sanction in order to support HEART’s local ‘eyes and 30,000 fewer affordable homes would have SME developers?’ More helpfully, the two ears’ to ensure the been built. The LGA also warned that such objectives could be considered together: restrictive condition is a threshold could encourage developers by what mechanisms could SME developers enforced and not a single to ‘game the system’ by putting forward be engaged to provide homes that the tree is felled. proposals of 49 or fewer homes on sites larger developers will not, especially in At 2019’s public inquiry which are able to take more. As Shelter’s affordable tenures? Christopher Gallagher, chief executive Polly Neate put it: ‘This plan Without affordable housing, the a historic landscape would mean expanding loopholes that sustainability of rural communities will consultant, evidenced allow developers to get away with not deteriorate. These issues apply to many the harm of overlaying an building the genuinely affordable homes rural areas, both within and outside 18-hole golf course on so many families are crying out for.’ designated landscapes. Local authorities top of the Grade II listed should be given more power to address Park and Garden designed them without their hands being tied by by Emes and Webb. proposed changes. CPRE would support Meanwhile, CPRE and the recommendation made by Action for HEART’s planning Communities in Rural England (ACRE), that expert, Jackie Copley, other measures to help SME developers demonstrated that the should be introduced that also help boost development is not in the supply of rural affordable housing. accordance with the In particular, providing grant funding for adopted Bolton Local Plan, affordable housing on market-led schemes and that it would cause developed by SME builders on sites of

harm the Green Belt. © Stuart Boulton/Alamy Photo Stock less than 40 dwellings.

12 Fieldwork Winter 2020 RESPONSE

Permission The answers in principle you need The government’s Q&A proposed changes to planning also include extending ‘permission in principle’ (PiP) for suitable The impact of the housing algorithm smaller sites (of under 10 units) contained in How would the government’s Given that 80% of the district is within brownfield registers to Q proposed new method of calculating the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding cover major development. housing targets using an algorithm be bad Natural Beauty (AONB), where there CPRE’s response to the for the countryside, urban regeneration are comparatively few opportunities for consultation argued that and the goal of more affordable homes? local employment, the only possible the only route to PiP consequences of such growth would be should come through CPRE’s response to the Changes large increases in out-commuting and future local plans and A to the planning system consultation associated increases in house prices, neighbourhood plans; argues that the proposed adjustments to and damage to the characteristics of the it is only through the the standard method for addressing local AONB. Meanwhile, the City of Gloucester’s rigorous checks and housing need go in the wrong direction, requirement would reduce by 12%. balances of democratic are ill-conceived and are impossible for This pattern is plainly at odds with the plan-making processes us to support. The proposed new declared aim of government policy, and that there is any hope standard method brazenly abandons an appears to be principally influenced by of achieving the level of evidence-based approach to determining the affordability adjustment, which would understanding of a site housing need. It takes three entirely also direct growth towards locations that would maximise separate baselines – existing stock levels, where housing is already most expensive. the robustness of PiP. household projections and affordability In many cases these locations are rural We argued that any other ratios, and generates a pick-and-mix and have environmental constraints, such route to granting PiP is a formula from them to produce a national that the effect of the methodology will be direct threat to scrutiny figure of 300,000 or 337,000 homes per a significant shift in the distribution of and, thereby, to achieving year. No consideration is given to whether, housing land, away from urban renewal sustainable development. or for how long, the headline national areas and towards rural, greenfield sites in Given the huge figure will retain any credibility in the face sensitive landscapes. The declared aim here over-supply of existing of changing circumstances. is ‘targeting more homes into areas where permissions, we reminded The government has a high-level they are least affordable’; this is presented the government that commitment to support the levelling up of as a move to improve affordability, but the creating additional the UK economy. Yet the new methodology proposed approach relies on private sector consenting routes such as pushes the highest rates of growth to housebuilders building so many additional expanding PiP is therefore where existing demand is highest, which homes that the price of their products a distraction from the key will directly undermine these efforts. falls, even though this is self-evidently challenge, and may in fact The current standard method is already incompatible with their business model. further clog up the system allowing most northern local planning CPRE recommends that a commitment with unbuilt permissions. authorities to pursue housing requirement to a target for affordable tenures, and a The greater the figures significantly higher than the programme of public investment to over-supply of consents, standard method figures on the basis of deliver it, should be the priority. Given the the less control planning their growth ambitions. But the new affordable housing shortage and the authorities have over method would simply boost areas already huge surplus of unbuilt permissions, when any development dealing with rapid growth, while reducing the nationwide, quantitative need for will actually happen. the scope for urban areas to benefit from additional open market housing permissions CPRE also urged the ambitious regeneration schemes. is likely to be relatively low. This is why, Government to commit to Applying the new method to a sample if the government is serious about the retention of brownfield of areas across the country, we can see addressing the problems associated with land registers, given a that it tends to work directly against the worsening affordability, especially in stated intention to review declared aim to focus on existing urban high-demand areas – for example key their role, as they are areas. In Gloucestershire, which overall workers being squeezed out of the market beginning to fulfil their role would see a 46% increase in requirement – then policy efforts must concentrate in getting local authorities under the new method, Cotswold District explicitly on boosting supply of affordable to proactively identify would see a dramatic increase of 148%. tenures, not supply as a whole. brownfield land capacity.

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 13 OTHER NEWS OUR LATEST POLICIES

Two films with a difference The North West Film Archive has unearthed Campaign a 1976 campaign film made by CPRE Cheshire! The film highlights the beauty of the former Vale Royal district of Cheshire, spotlight including Great Budworth and Marbury Country Park. The narrator also highlights problems with The future of planning derelict buildings, and ‘the largest interloper of here are several aspects of the help improve the quality of input to them all – the motorway’. planning system that need to be planning consultations. CPRE Cheshire is glad Treviewed and improved, but CPRE The government’s white paper that many of the places believes the planning white paper has proposals will, however, critically weaken shown in the film are still identified the wrong problems and the scope for public input, and need to relatively picturesque, proposed the wrong solutions. As a be fundamentally reconsidered. It is not as evidenced by Great result, it will fail on its own terms; it will enough for the public to be involved in the Budworth being chosen fail to address the real problems, and it shaping of policies; developers and local as a filming location for will result in a dramatic loss of local authorities need to be held accountable to the recent ‘War of the democratic engagement and scrutiny. local communities for delivering promised Worlds’ series. Take a CPRE is keen to work with the planning community benefits and well-designed look at the film via profession, and with the government, schemes. In any case, a 30-month cprecheshire.org.uk, to significantly improve the system and its timescale for plan preparation is likely to where you can catch up outcomes – ensuring that it is genuinely be unrealistic and undeliverable, leading with the rest of the news democratic, open to all and balances the to continued problems with ad hoc from the county. interests of the environment, communities development in unsuitable locations. Meanwhile, CPRE and the economy. From CPRE’s Extending the scope of the nationally Sussex produced a perspective, the planning system we significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) brilliant film to showcase need should help deliver fair access to regime to fast-track housing is profoundly the schemes honoured in life-enhancing countryside and quality undemocratic and decisions on large its first ever online awards green space for everyone; space for housing schemes must continue to rest ceremony, held on Zoom nature that can address the climate and with elected local authorities. Local in October. Among those biodiversity emergencies; and a authorities should also be able to use to receive top awards at sustainable, green recovery and thriving their planning powers to help regenerate the giant virtual gathering rural economies, supported by affordable town centres post-coronavirus; this must were two village shops housing that maximises the potential of involve being able to annul or remove which kept going during brownfield land. The following summary of national permitted development rights the first lockdown, a land our response sets out both our critique where this is needed to help deliver a co-operative in East of what is proposed, and our suggestions local vision for the future. Sussex and a group of for reforms that are precise, necessary South Downs farmers and achievable. who are connecting with walkers via a series of Giving communities a say unique interactive plaques. We see public involvement in planning A total of 27 CPRE Sussex as critical to achieving good quality Countryside Awards development and protecting and improving were made, along with the environment. We therefore believe that The Peter Brandon much greater safeguards and reassurances Award for Empowering about public involvement in the planning Communities. Watch the process are required. The processes for film and find out more at both local plans and planning applications cpresussex.org.uk, where can be made simpler, but the public you can also enjoy their needs to have meaningful influence at brand new hedgerow film. both stages. Citizen assemblies could also CPRE award-winning homes in Cinderford

14 Fieldwork Winter 2020 OTHER NEWS

The case against oil CPRE Surrey and the Weald Action Group have been supporting Sarah Finch’s legal challenge against oil production at Horse Hill, near Horley. Last November, Sarah requested a judicial review of Surrey County Council’s decision to allow 20 years of commercial oil production © Peter Lane/Alamy at Horse Hill on the grounds that the county council failed to consider the direct and indirect greenhouse gas Ranmore Common in Surrey relies on strong Green Belt and AONB protections emissions of the project, and the government’s Safeguarding our environment we call for better protection of countryside net-zero target for A much stronger concept of ‘sustainable that does not currently have a national carbon emissions. development’ needs to inform planning designation, but has real value for heritage, After twice being law and policy, including the proposed farming and nature. turned down, an appeal ‘sustainability test’, with clear links through judge agreed the grounds to the UN’s Sustainable Development Designed for life were ‘arguable’ and Goals. The government also needs to more We welcome many of the white paper pointed out that an clearly link its programme of changes to proposals on design, in particular the ancillary part of Sarah’s planning with its 25 Year Environment proposed new unit in government to case – that UK national Plan and measures in the Environment Bill promote design quality. But for the planning policy is not in for nature recovery areas and biodiversity proposals to be effective the government conformity with EU law – net gain. needs to do further work to uphold good is ‘a point of some Green Belts provide the countryside design through necessary benchmarks – importance which ought next door for 30 million people and are including for internal space standards to be considered at a needed more now than ever, but we and walking and cycling access, and full hearing.’ Given that fear that the white paper will increase enforcement through design codes that can many of our environmental pressure to release more Green Belt land be upheld through planning enforcement regulations will still be for development. The planning system powers. Our 2020 research with Place based on EU rules after should seek to invest in and enhance Alliance shows that a particular problem 2020, the case may countryside near cities in order to provide with new build housing schemes is that even influence how accessible space for nature, wellbeing residents are forced to rely on their cars. UK regulations are and climate mitigation, while encouraging The government must give more support interpreted post-Brexit. urban regeneration and preventing London for strategic, ‘larger than local’ planning in Successful oil drilling at growing at the expense of the rest of order to avoid these problems. Horse Hill would fund the country. On energy efficiency, the white paper UKOG’s ambitions for Stronger protections are also needed sets a target for new homes to be zero Dunsfold, Arreton and for our nationally designated landscapes – carbon by 2050. This does not command Broadford Bridge, but a Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty public confidence when we know that win for Sarah would set and National Parks. In particular, AONB the 2005 Code for Sustainable Homes an important precedent bodies should be given a statutory right set the target of 2016. A more ambitious for fossil fuel and other to be consulted on major development target – 2030 at the latest – is both high-carbon-footprint proposals in their area, with their advice needed and perfectly feasible, while local developments across fully considered by the local authority authorities should be given power to set the UK. when determining a planning application. zero carbon targets for new development The case was due to This could be achieved by making additional in local plans. be heard as Fieldwork resources available to AONBs, so that went to press, so keep they can be even stronger champions for Find out more: Read our full consultation up with the latest at these outstanding landscapes. In addition, response at cpre.org.uk/resources wealdactiongroup.org.uk

Winter 2020 Fieldwork 15 THE LAST WORD Matter of fact Support for your case

Decarbonising rural transport

ransport accounts for a huge away from high carbon modes of travel within 4km of a GP surgery. Half of chunk of carbon emissions. such as private cars and commercial the country’s rural population now T It’s the UK’s biggest single vehicles, towards sustainable options, live in areas with the poorest access cause of climate change, accounting with an emphasis on active travel to services based on minimum travel for a third of the damage. And the modes such as walking and cycling. times. In order to deliver substantial future doesn’t look good – unlike so For local transport authorities in reductions in rural transport carbon many areas, the climate change rural areas, a mandate to follow a emissions it is imperative that the impact of transport is getting worse, clear transport hierarchy would serve TDP set out a clear plan to make not better. That’s why CPRE are to guide the re-allocation of funding essential services more accessible calling on the government to take towards local walking and cycling to rural communities, and more viable vitally important steps like improving investment plans, with segregated within them. public transport and making it cycleways and safe and pleasant easier to choose walking or cycling footpaths. Where necessary, car club Promoting the widespread over driving. vehicles which operate on alternative adoption of e-bikes could replace CPRE submitted a comprehensive fuels should be supported as an many car journeys in rural areas, response to the government’s alternative to private cars. Promoting potentially cutting up to 30 million

Decarbonising Transport consultation the widespread adoption of e-bikes tonnes of CO2 per year. in August, as part of our work to could also replace many car journeys, champion sustainable transport especially in rural areas, cutting up The TDP must also set out clear connections for our vision of thriving to 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year. policies to reduce the need to travel rural communities. Many of the However, it has now been well by supporting the trend towards home policies we proposed would deliver established that electrification alone working that has been fast-tracked by enormous co-benefits in improving will no longer be sufficient to achieve the coronavirus lockdown. The latest heath, reducing air and water the scale of reductions in transport ONS figures prior to the restrictions pollution, tackling loneliness and carbon emissions necessary to found that 26% of people were improving access to education; meet the obligations of the UN Paris working part or all of the time from they would also contribute to the Climate Agreement. Research by home, with this figure likely to remain ‘levelling-up’ agenda by supporting the Tyndall Centre suggests that significantly higher after the pandemic. thriving communities in every region even if all new vehicles are ‘ultra-low In order to realise the full potential of of the country. emission vehicles’ by 2035 there will this change it is essential that the have to be a 58% reduction in car government invests in the necessary Following a transport hierarchy mileage from 2016 levels by that date, infrastructure for comprehensive rural The government has committed to in order to keep warming ‘well below broadband coverage. In 2018 nearly spending £27.4 billion over five years 2°C’ this century. a quarter of premises in rural areas for a road investment strategy that is could not access a superfast estimated to negate 80% of potential Reducing the need to travel broadband connection (30mbps). carbon savings from electric vehicles, We believe the TDP should set out We look forward to working with while investing less than one-fifth of measures for reducing the need to the government to ensure these that amount in the far lower carbon travel, including by reversing the recommendations are adopted, modes of cycling and buses. Their long-term trend of centralisation of in addition to our Transport Deserts Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) key services and facilities that has proposals for more and higher should reverse this situation by left rural residents with no choice quality public transport options to implementing a functional transport but to travel many miles to larger encourage a shift away from private hierarchy to guide future transport conurbations on a day-to-day basis. car travel. investment decisions. The Department Between 2000 and 2017 the number for Transport should follow the of rural Post Offices declined by 31%, Find out more: Read our full transport hierarchy to divert funding and only 65% of rural residents live submission at cpre.org.uk/resources

16 Fieldwork Winter 2020