Spatial planning UK comment Jul-Dec 2008

November 2008

 * CPRE doubt that the Infrastructure Planning Commission – "an expensive, unelected, unaccountable commission taking big planning decisions" – will work in practice, November 26 CPRE believes that there needs to be a proper public debate about the need for major infrastructure projects and a fully transparent procedure for deciding whether particular proposals should go ahead.


 * Revise housebuilding targets in light of the economic downturn, says Environmental Audit Committee, November 3 ‘In a period of economic decline developers will inevitably “cherry pick” green fields over less profitable brownfield locations. It is vital that, in the current market downturn, targets are revised to ensure that we recycle brownfield land and bring back into use empty buildings before building on green fields, just as the EAC has recommended. We urge the Government to heed the Committee’s advice and act on their recommendations.’ Kate Gordon, CPRE’s senior planner.


 * Natural England welcomes the Environmental Audit Committee report on Greener Homes for the Future, but calls for green development to be a priority for housing development at all times, rather than promoted solely at a time of economic downturn, November 3

July 2008

 * "Housing something like a million people over the next 20 years in the South East may be a challenge too far." CPRE, July 17 " We are concerned about the sheer scale of the development proposed, and its impact on the countryside and quality of life." place


 * North East Plan: the government gambles on the region's future, CPRE, July 15 place


 * Government proposals to abolish the ‘need test’ for town centre planning a serious threat to local retail diversity and choice, CPRE, July 10

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