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.
Localism Bill
In December 2010 government published the Localism Bill which has been described as 'one of the most far-reaching reforms ot the planning system since 1947' and contains wide ranging measures on planning, social housing and local democracy. Members can view CPRE's briefing on the bill. In summary these are the main points on planning:
• Regional strategies abolished - while a new duty to cooperate will be placed on Local Authorities and public bodies to help ensure joint working
• Local Plan reform - statutory local plans will be retained but inspectors will only be able to suggest changes to plans if requested by Local Authorities
• Neighbourhood Plans - to be developed by designated bodies such as Town and Parish Councils and neighbourhood forums. Subject to an independent examination, the plan will be approved if more than 50% voting in a local referendum support it.
• Neighbourhood Development Orders - which will enable communities to permit development, in full or in outline, without the need for planning applications
• Infrastructure Planning Commission to be abolished
Excellent guidance is also available from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The National Planning Policy Framework, which is expected to be published for consultation in 2011, will also be vitally important for the future of the planning system.
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
This section is now obsolete with the revocation of all Regional Spatial Strategies by Government (see above). However the section remains active until a new system is in place.
Local Planning
CPRE East Midlands 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.
Edited by Fiona Cowan
20 October 2011