“For ever, for everyone.”

You may have seen that the National Trust has launched a campaign to voice concerns about the Government’s proposed changes to the planning system in England.  These changes are set out in the draft National Planning Policy Framework which was launched for consultation on 25 July, with the consultation due to close on 17 October.

(The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists - Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.  They were so concerned about the impact of uncontrolled development and industrialization that they set up the Trust to act as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.)

Now, with this draft National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) published in July, the Government wants to change the planning system into a tool to promote economic growth above all else. The National Trust does support the need for economic growth – just not at any cost.  The following are major causes for concern.

Ø  The removal of much detailed guidance to local authorities leaves too much power in the hands of developers who will only need to show that their proposals will deliver growth for other important considerations (such as the impact on communities, nature and landscape) to be pushed aside.

Ø  Local people will have to rely on local or neighbourhood development plans to protect what they treasure and shape where development should go. Only half of local authorities have such plans in place. Where there are no plans there will be a presumption that development will proceed, unless local people can find the resources and specialist knowledge to prove that it will cause significant harm. In practice, the dice are heavily loaded to favour development.

So, we are asking you to show Government that the Trust is voicing your concerns about the apparent reduction in protection for our most precious places.  By taking this action, the Trust is doing exactly what it was set up to do – it is acting as a guardian on behalf of the nation.

Please sign our petition to the government – and encourage others to do so. You can find the petition online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/planning

You could also write to your MP -  go to  http://www.parliament.uk/about/contacting/mp/ for contact details.

Posted by Ranger Roy NT