Press Release

East Midlands countryside threatened by housing increase

Tuesday, July 22 2008

Countryside campaigners, CPRE, have welcomed a number of recommendations in the Government’s Proposed Changes to the East Midlands Regional Plan published today (Tuesday). But serious threats to the region’s countryside remain.

Welcome proposals include:

·  the retention of Nottingham’s Green Belt which had been threatened by earlier recommendations made by an independent Panel of Inspectors;

·  a new policy on rural affordable housing which will help address the problems of disadvantage experienced in many of the region’s rural areas; and

·  retention of measures to promote public transport, walking and cycling.

However, large areas of Green Belt and countryside throughout the East Midlands are still threatened by proposals for major urban expansion to meet unrealistically high housing targets.

The Government's housing figures, which are imposed on the region, mean over half a million new homes could be built within the next 20 years. CPRE considers this figure unsustainable because the region’s infrastructure, including transport, sewerage and water supply, is already badly stretched. 

The housing figures could potentially be increased further by one or two new eco-towns in the region, plans for which have been roundly condemned by local residents, local councils and the Regional Assembly.

Lisa Hopkinson, CPRE Regional Policy Officer said, "We are delighted the Government has recognised the particular problems of providing affordable housing in many rural areas. But, the overall housing figures still threaten large areas of the region's countryside and in turn quality of life of its residents."

Disappointingly the Government has also rejected a road traffic reduction target for the East Midlands. Bettina Lange, Regional Policy Officer at CPRE commented, "Despite a number of good measures on traffic reduction the Government has rejected a much needed road traffic reduction target. The region has the fastest growing levels of road traffic in the country, which contributes to noise, air pollution, climate change and increased risk of death and injury. A road traffic reduction target is essential for the East Midlands."

CPRE East Midlands will launch a public campaign encouraging the public to respond to the consultation to ensure that the proposals in the final Plan protect and enhance the region’s countryside.