Current news
Government to remove obligation to notify landowners above fracking sites?
Written by CPRE Sussex
16 October 2013
Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex responded on Monday to a Department of Communities and Local Government consultation which proposes to remove the requirement to notify landowners above fracking/shale gas drilling activities going on underground beneath their properties.
The new proposed standard application form will fail to "consider the complex and far-reaching impacts of unconventional oil and gas exploration and extraction, and attempts to ignore real concerns in the countryside about the impacts on local people and the environment," says Wrighton.
Read the full response here in our Fracking campaigns section.
Madeleine's Brighton Marathon: Give generously!
Written by William Shaw
This year Madeleine Voice is running the 2013 Brighton Marathon in memory of Nic Packwood, a much missed stalwart of the Campaign For the Protection of Rural England.
She'll be raising money for CPRE Sussex.
On the justgiving.com website Madeleine says: "I know that he would be so pleased that I have chosen this as my charity.... Please sponsor me to run the marathon so that I can raise money and do something to make Nic (Andrea and Holli) proud!" It's a brilliant thing to do and we're extremely proud to have her running on our behalf – and Nic's.
Please support her doing this fantastic – and tough – race. Donate here!
What future for Sussex under central government planning reforms?
Written by William Shaw
CPRE Sussex Futureproofing Conference 23 March
Saturday 23rd March will see Nick Herbert MP for Arundel and the South Downs talk to Sussex residents about his vision for good planning and the future of the Sussex countryside.
Futureproofing Sussex, an event being held by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Sussex) is a chance to hear expert debate on how government planning reforms will affect the Sussex countryside. Other speakers include Neil Sinden, CPRE Director of Policy and Campaigns and Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex.
The event comes at a crucial time for local planning authorities as the ‘grace’ period which allows Councils to put Local Plans in place before central government policy takes over, is coming to an end. April 2013 sees a critical period in the way that planning principles are applied.
The event coincides with the release of the CPRE national report ‘Countryside Promises: Planning realities’ which analyses the way that the government’s planning framework, the National Planning Policy Framework has been applied one year on. The emerging evidence raises significant concerns about whether the reformed planning system is capable of securing the development the community needs and preventing damaging schemes in the wrong locations.
The report highlights that the views of local communities are being overruled time and time again, with major new housing developments being allowed to sprawl across precious countryside.
Georgia Wrighton, Director of CPRE Sussex said:
“From this Spring, local authorities who don’t have a Local Plan in place will find their decision making powers to decide on development proposals in a perilous state. If their plans don’t have legal force by April, central government dictat will take over and local voices to determine the future of their area will be severely weakened.
We call on the government to extend the period for Councils to put their Plans in place rather than effectively vetoing the proper local democratic planning process.”
Hashtag: #futureproofing13
Bewl Water eco-lodges rejected: CPRE’s letter of objection
Written by Jessica Mayall
2 December 2012
A controversial planning application for eco-holiday lodges at Bewl Water has been turned down. It was CPRE Sussex’s view that this development would be inappropriate and damaging to the tranquillity of Bewl Water, which is popular for recreational use and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Parish councils spurred on to create Neighbourhood Plans
Written by Jessica Mayall
19 November 2012
CPRE Sussex joined forces with CPRE national office and the National Association of Local Councils NALC to provide a planning workshop for Sussex Parish councillors to assist them in making Neighbourhood Plans. The event at Pulborough on 1st November was attended by parish councillors from Birdham, Henfield, Herstmonceux, Hunston, Patching, Petworth, Pulborough, Southbourne, Westhampnett and Woolbeding with Redford.
"Local decisions are being taken away": CPRE Sussex on BBC
Written by William Shaw
15 November 2012
"We're concerned that if decisions are taken away from the local level then developers’ interests come first," said CPRE Sussex Director Georgia Wrighton on the BBC's Sunday Politics South East, commenting on the Government's Growth and Infrastructure Bill which back tracks on commitments to localism.
Bexhill - Hastings link protest: major turnout
Written by William Shaw
17 October 2012
CPRE members were amongst a large crowd vociferously protesting at a Sussex County Council meeting in Lewes yesterday about the planned £93.8m link road between Bexhill and Hastings.
Rural Statement: It’s not JUST the economy stupid
Written by CPRE Sussex
September 13 2012
Rural campaigners have welcomed the long awaited publication of the Government’s Rural Statement but here at CPRE Sussex we are are disappointed by the sidelining of environmental issues.
CPRE Sussex is looking for volunteers to take on two special roles within our organisation. We're looking for a Publications Editor and a Media and Communications Officer.
