CPRE Sussex, Kent and Hampshire team up to respond to Defra Consultation on onshore oil exploration
Written by CPRE SussexIn response to Defra's Consultation on the applicability of integrated pollution prevention and control to onshore oil exploration activities, CPRE Sussex have teamed up with CPRE Kent and CPRE Hampshire to respond to the proposal to limit the Environmental Permitting Regulations to effectively exclude onshore exploration.
CPRE's Response to Weald Shale Gas Report: "We need more guarantees"
Written by CPRE Sussex23 May 2014
The British Geological Survey released a press release on 23 May 2014 unveiling their findings that report estimates that the Weald Basin, a vast area covering around 3,500 square miles in the south including Sussex and the South Downs National Park, could contain between 2.2-8.5billion barrels of oil, equivalent to 290-1,100million tonnes. Read the British Geological Survey Report [PDF].
Nick Clack of CPRE made the following response to the media:
CPRE Sussex Joins Local Campaigners Against Plans for Damaging New Roads on A27
Written by CPRE SussexMonday 23 June 2014
PHOTOCALL Campaign to Protect Rural England (Sussex) will join a demonstration against damaging road expansion on the A27: Thursday 26 June 4.30-5pm Worthing College, Sanditon Way, Worthing
CPRE (Sussex) will join local groups including Campaign for Better Transport, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth at a demonstration against damaging road expansion timed to coincide with a parallel meeting of the ‘A27 Action Campaign’- West Sussex County Council, other local authorities, MPs and business leaders lobbying for new roads on Thursday 26 June.
CPRE (Sussex) fears that damaging road proposals could emerge out of a government study [1] including a bypass at Arundel and a dual carriageway between Polegate and Lewes which could destroy cherished countryside and threaten the South Downs National Park.
Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex said “Our CPRE Sussex Countryside Charter calls for positive investment in sustainable transport, prioritising faster and direct access by rail as the responsible way to better connect Sussex. Plans for unnecessarily damaging road expansion on the A27 should be relegated to government archives where they belong.
We need to work smarter, beyond an outdated ‘business as usual’ approach, using the latest technology and sustainable design to better connect Sussex whether that be for relieving congestion at peak hours, for futureproofed transport infrastructure or keeping business moving online.”[2]
Contact: Georgia Wrighton, Director CPRE Sussex 07964894333
Chris Todd, Campaign for Better Transport 07889302229
ENDS
Notes
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-road-network-the-scope-of-6-feasibility-studies
[2] The CPRE Sussex Countryside Charter asks MPs and Councillors to sign up to six commitments to the countryside http://cpresussex.org.uk/campaigns/sussex-countryside-charter
Commitment 5: GETTING AROUND LIGHTLY
Getting around is vital, but it is in all our interests to protect the character and tranquillity of cherished Sussex countryside.
Roads are a vital artery in Sussex life, but in recent times plans for major new roads have posed grave threats to areas of wonderful countryside which once under tarmac are gone forever. We cannot provide for unlimited traffic demands without severely damaging the countryside. Air and noise pollution diminish quality of life and emissions contribute to a more chaotic climate.
We want to see better local rail links, along the coast and linking towns - and to London from coastal towns in need of regeneration. Faster and direct links are vital.
Key commitment
Positive investment in sustainable transport is the responsible way to better connect Sussex, avoiding unnecessarily damaging airport and road expansion.
Come and Join Us! CPRE Sussex Event at Billingshurst Community Centre Saturday 17 May
Written by CPRE Sussex
17 May saw Billingshurst Community Centre buzzing with campaigning groups, CPRE members and local people fired up in their shared love of the Sussex countryside and their desire to protect it. Local campaigning groups’ stalls lined the hall, showcasing their cause whether to protect against a second runway at Gatwick, stop a new town being built in unspoilt Sussex countryside near Haywards Heath or to register residents’ opposition against Fracking in West Sussex. Inspiring speakers from Hands Off Henfield and Locals Against Mayfields Building Sprawl (LAMBS) shared their campaigning stories and top tips for successful grass roots mobilisation against the loss of cherished countryside.
Wootton Manor visit June 2014
The childhood home of Elizabeth David, the Cookery Writer. Mr Colin Brent gave us a very informative account of this beautiful 17th Century house. An additional wing was added in the early twentieth century.
Members enjoying a sumptuous lunch prepared by Sabrina Harcourt, the current owner of Wootton Manor and niece of Elizabeth David. She devised a menu based on the recipes of her aunt.
Relaxing on the terrace in front of the house.
Monday 23 June 2014
CPRE (Sussex) will join local groups including Campaign for Better Transport, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth at a demonstration against damaging road expansion timed to coincide with a parallel meeting of the ‘A27 Action Campaign’- West Sussex County Council, other local authorities, MPs and business leaders lobbying for new roads on Thursday 26 June.
CPRE (Sussex) fears that damaging road proposals could emerge out of a government study including a bypass at Arundel and a dual carriageway between Polegate and Lewes which could destroy cherished countryside and threaten the South Downs National Park.
Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex said “Our CPRE Sussex Countryside Charter calls for positive investment in sustainable transport, prioritising faster and direct access by rail as the responsible way to better connect Sussex. Plans for unnecessarily damaging road expansion on the A27 should be relegated to government archives where they belong.
We need to work smarter, beyond an outdated ‘business as usual’ approach, using the latest technology and sustainable design to better connect Sussex whether that be for relieving congestion at peak hours, for futureproofed transport infrastructure or keeping business moving online.”
See the CPRE Sussex Media Release CPRE Sussex Joins Local Campaigners Against Plans for Damaging New Roads on A27
Photo: © Badly Drawn Dad
June 5 2014
The West Sussex County Times published the following letter by CPRE representative Dr Roger F Smith.
Campaigners call for effective regulation of shale oil exploration
Written by CPRE Sussex3 June 2014
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today (Tuesday) raises the alarm about Government proposals that would exclude smaller scale shale oil exploration from environmental regulation. A consultation by the Government, which closed yesterday, proposes the removal of its ability and responsibility to regulate smaller scale, but potentially hazardous, onshore oil exploration under the ‘Environmental Permitting Regulations’.
Press release: Campaigners call for effective regulation of shale oil exploration
Written by CPRE Sussex3 June 2014
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today (Tuesday) raises the alarm about Government proposals that would exclude smaller scale shale oil exploration from environmental regulation. A consultation by the Government, which closed yesterday, proposes the removal of its ability and responsibility to regulate smaller scale, but potentially hazardous, onshore oil exploration under the ‘Environmental Permitting Regulations’.
