Protection for our vanishing countryside has been further diminished, it is claimed, thanks to the Coalition Government’s 2012 publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Updates are on the following link.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/updates
This potentially means that more fragile green spaces and wildlife habitat will be lost to the mega-rich, fast building, profiteers across the land that get so wealthy (with council help), whilst the native UK landscape is demolished at their pleasure.
Formby Labour councillor Catie Page and Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson are reported as saying it was the Conservative Government that set planning rules to help developers build “where they want".
However, these politicians failed to mention that it was also Labour councillors' votes, en masse in Bootle, that gave housing developers final approval to destroy old native woodlands in Southport. Not very long ago these woodlands were very rich in legally-protected wildlife.
Ainsdale Lib Dem councillor Lynne Thompson was reported to be “impressed” with what has been proposed. Reports also say she has welcomed development so long as it was well-planned, with appropriate consultation, in the correct locations, and to a good standard. Sefton's Lib Dem Leader, John Wright, has also welcomed any initiative which can help to solve the housing crisis, with what he called “sensitive development that has the support of local people”.
Nevertheless, this has been seen as a political fence-sitting exercise in some quarters, mainly because established local communities are habitually the first to protest when bulldozers are seen to be flattening green areas on their own doorsteps.
Nevertheless, this has been seen as a political fence-sitting exercise in some quarters, mainly because established local communities are habitually the first to protest when bulldozers are seen to be flattening green areas on their own doorsteps.
Alternately, eco-campaigning organisations have come out in force against the Government’s controversial plans to increase environmental damage, via English countryside destruction.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England warned that the NPPF treats land as a commodity, rather than a “finite and precious resource”. It also says that it may inspire property development based on property price speculation and developer profit. It added:
“Planning is pointless if the outcomes it delivers would be little different from what would happen without a planning system.”
“Planning is pointless if the outcomes it delivers would be little different from what would happen without a planning system.”
Friends of the Earth claim the Government’s new planning guidance is unlawful because it was introduced without carrying out a public consultation or an assessment of its potential environmental impact. The Government has defended NPPF against Friends of the Earth's High Court challenge.
https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1521557/government-defends-nppf-against-friends-earths-high-court-challenge
https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1521557/government-defends-nppf-against-friends-earths-high-court-challenge
Understandably, many UK communities are worried about traffic congestion, damage to the greenbelt, flooding and drainage problems, increased pollution, loss of wildlife habitat and amplified burden on emergency services.
From personal experience, some of us know that our vanishing green spaces are seen as little more than good opportunities for making vast development profits by the grey suits in power.
From personal experience, some of us know that our vanishing green spaces are seen as little more than good opportunities for making vast development profits by the grey suits in power.
The precious UK countryside is a living, breathing, entity not just a waste receptacle for mankind to abuse at will. We must treat it with respect because when it's gone, it's gone forever.
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