More work is needed to ensure new planning rules do not damage the environment, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England has warned.

While the organisation praises plans for new Local Development Frameworks, which set out guidelines for future development projects, it argues that various aspects require clarification.

The CPRE suggested that there should be a more central role for local considerations, such as the area's distinctiveness and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The scope and content of LDFs should be made more clear, and they should provide a fair system for both planners and local residents.

"The proposed reforms provide a huge opportunity to secure a better planning system - one that protects the countryside, delivers high quality development in suitable locations and gives people a greater say in planning the future of their area," said CPRE national planning officer Kate Gordon.

"Local Development Frameworks will be the key tool for developers and the whole community in determining what development takes place and where.

"It is vital that we get them right."

The new planning rules were to be discussed at a fringe meeting at the Labour conference in Bournemouth which will be attended by housing minister Keith Hill.

"Strong local policies will continue to be needed to protect our most attractive rural and urban environments, to promote urban renewal and to secure high quality development," said Gordon.

"Streamlining the planning system must not result in poor quality decisions and bad development whose consequences people will have to suffer for years to come.

"Changes to local planning should strengthen, not undermine, local planning authorities' ability to reject poor quality proposals and require the highest standards in all new development."

"CPRE will be campaigning to secure the best possible system through revisions to the Planning bill, regulations and national policy statements," she added.