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Written by Countess du Ruel
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Saturday, 10 September 2011 00:00 |
I thought Cameron was a country man! exclaims Mrs M. His government is now locked in battle with the National Trust and countryside campaigners over the threat of new, relaxed planning laws to allow “sustainable development.” Campaigners allege this will mean uncontrolled development caused by the “presumption for development,” rather than against it. I for one agree with the NT and campaigners. I am prepared to join in the revolt against Cameron’s new planning laws.
Cameron is a high profile member of the Chipping Norton Set and is frequently on hand at country events in his Tory heartland. He may alienate these loyal supporters. His proposed reforms have caused alarm that “unchecked and damaging” development will blight the English countryside.
The National Trust, who has a chequered past when it comes to their commitment against rural development in fragile environments, is finally gearing up for battle. For starters no one has any idea what “sustainable development” means. It’s one of those vague terms open to interpretation. I imagine it’s been chosen for exactly that reason.
Cameron says that a relaxing of the planning laws will kick start the economy. This sounds like the battle cry of the most notorious developers. He’s maintaining that not building enough homes is contributing to homelessness, overcrowding and poverty. He sounds prepared to take on the countryside lobby and not to back down. The NT says that planning authorities should be allowed to make their own decisions with the best interests of the environment and local communities taken into consideration.
The National Trust claims not to be anti-development, but it is worried that government proposals will open a can of worms that could have dangerous consequences for the countryside. New laws could wave through unwanted development and open up a “gold rush” for development of unprotected agricultural land.
It sounds like the countryside protectors will have their hands full on this one. I know which side I’m on, and if you love green and pleasant lands, you better make your voice heard to MPs, the NT, and parish councils.
— Mrs M
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