Plans and Planning

Planning matters 

Good land-use planning is the unsung hero of environmental protection and has always been one of CPRE's top campaigning priorities. Good planning can help slow the growth in road traffic, encourage urban regeneration, curb urban sprawl, protect the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside and safeguard wildlife habitats.

CPRE is one of the nation's leading voluntary sector organisations engaged in the land use and spatial planning system.

Nationally we aim to influence planning law, regulations and policy.

Regionally we are involved in reviews of Regional Spatial Strategies and our branches work with county and district councils who make decisions at the local level.

Follow the links on the left to find out more about the following:

What is planning?

This section describes why planning is important and how England's planning system works at a national, regional and local level. Find out more about how you can get involved. CPRE's dedicated website Planning Help contains a wealth of information about the planning system with practical advice to help you influence planning decisions that protect our countryside.

Regional Plans and Planning

There are a number of regional plans in the East Midlands that affect the countryside and the quality of life of rural communities. Find out more about the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), also known as the Regional Plan - how it works, its impacts on the East Midlands countryside and how you can get involved. This section also describes other regional plans such as the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and the Regional Transport Strategy, and the key regional bodies.

Local Planning 

CPRE East Midlands's branches at county level: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire, Rutland and the Peak District (Derbyshire) are all involved in local planning policy and implementation.  

Green Belts

Green Belts keep the city in the city. Green Belt is countryside next to urban areas where there is a risk that the openness will be invaded by urban sprawl. Green Belts are under threat in the East Midlands from housing and other development. Find out more about how Green Belts work and our campaign to protect them. 

CPRE 2008