Author urges public to help save countryside (From Craven Herald)

Bill Bryson calls on public to put pressure on MPs

5:50pm Thursday 29th December 2011 in Countryfile

One of Craven’s most famous former residents says proposed planning reforms are putting the local countryside at risk.

American author Bill Bryson, who used to live in Malhamdale, has hit out at proposals currently being finalised by the Government.

“Our local countryside is too precious to lose,” he said.

Ministers have said they want to simplify planning law, reducing 1,000 pages of policy to just 52, while continuing to protect the green belt and designated areas of natural beauty or scientific interest.

However, in a letter to the Herald, the Notes From A Small Island author said the reforms posed a “continuing threat to local countryside”.

Mr Bryson, who is also president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: “It is astounding that, in such a densely-populated country, most people are still within easy reach of glorious and productive countryside. I believe one of the principal causes of that happy fact has been that the planning system has enabled necessary economic growth while protecting and enhancing the countryside – perhaps your greatest national treasure.

“But if the new planning rules go unamended they will mark a significant relaxation of protection for the so-called ‘ordinary’ countryside, the countryside next door which may have no special designation, like a National Park, but is so important to so many people.

“CPRE wants the countryside to support thriving communities, provide a haven for wildlife, and produce healthy local food – with the help of genuinely sustainable planning. This depends upon the quality of life the countryside gives us all – through its beauty, tranquillity, local distinctiveness and open space – which should be valued as much as material goods and economic growth.

“On behalf of CPRE, I would like to urge readers to join us in standing up for the countryside by writing to their MPs to let them know that they want the planning system to protect their local countryside, not just specially designated areas.”

Skipton MP Julian Smith has already called for the Government to rethink the controversial Draft Planning Policy Framework as a consultation on the plans comes to an end.

He is concerned authorities with small budgets, like Craven District Council, will be unable to contend with well-resourced developers when contentious plans are put forward.

He said: “Time after time during meetings with constituents, I hear allegations of what they claim are ‘unacceptable tactics being employed by developers with individuals, groups and councils to try to get proposals approved’.

“By leaving more aspects open to interpretation, I believe there is a danger planning authorities, with limited budgets, will be unable to contend with developers. I believe the document as currently drafted leaves room for contradictory interpretations.”