The following article by Alex Oxborough was runner up in the Sussex CPRE Environmental Journalism Awards 2012

Government planning policy puts Sussex countryside at risk

Environmental groups have warned that new planning policy guidelines, recently released by the coalition government, are a threat to the countryside, ancient woodland and the character of rural communities.

Winners of the CPRE Sussex Countryside Awards were presented with plaques and certificates by Lady Caroline Egremont and Dr Peter Brandon (Chair of the Judging Panel) at an Awards Ceremony on the 26th May held at Braylsham Castle , Broad Oak. The fabulous home of Mr and Mrs John Mew.

The entries were considered by a panel of distinguished judges, chaired by landscape historian and geographer Dr Peter Brandon. Lady Caroline Egremont, Mrs Phylidda Stewart-Roberts OBE, CVO, DL and Miss Margaret Moore, Vice President of CPRE Sussex, completed the panel.

Award winners from eleven projects from across Sussex were presented with plaques and certificates by Lady Caroline Egremont in Petworth House on Thursday 6th October 2011.

Our Countryside Awards celebrate good development and innovative design in our countryside.