Press Release

MPs support Green Belt, but more common sense is needed in the South East housing debate

9 April 2010

In response to House of Commons Select Committee Report on Housing in the South East, Edward Dawson, director of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in the South East, Said:

"It's encouraging that the MPs on the committee appear to be singing from the same hymn sheet as the CPRE on many of these housing issues.

"Providing 654,000 new homes for a million new people over twenty years is a huge challenge and maintaining Green Belt land in the face of such development pressure is essential. It’s clear MPs agreed with us that the London and Oxford Green Belts have been the saviour of the region in terms of preventing ugly and damaging run-away development.

"Pressure for new housing in the South East is more intense than in any other region of the country. This poses serious difficulties for the pattern of settlements, and the character of its countryside. The importance attached by the committee to the sustainable development of the South East and to the quality of life of its inhabitants is also vital.

"CPRE is pleased to note the desire to produce sustainable communities, but is concerned lest the report leads to yet further pressures in our already over-crowded region. Improved design, affordability and sustainability should be the key watch words for the future."