Rural Sussex Could Face "Catastrophic" Future Says Countryside Charity

Yesterday's government announcement, outlining proposals to make planning for home-building in England quicker and easier, has led to a countryside charity boss in Sussex calling them "the worst he has ever seen".

According to CPRE Sussex, the Government's ideas about reforming the planning system will not solve the housing shortage and could be catastrophic for the Sussex countryside. 

The charity was responding to Downing Street's statement promising cutting "red tape" and using technology to help "deliver homes faster". 

Its proposals claimed that they would allow the rediscovery of "the original mission and purpose of those who sought to improve our homes and streets in late Victorian and early 20th-century Britain".
 
However, CPRE Sussex Chair Professor Dan Osborn was less kind about the White Paper, saying:

"I cannot see how it can be translated into legislation."

"The problem in the UK is the delivery and cost of housing — that has nothing to do with planning whatsoever."

The charity in Sussex warned, in its statement responding to the government, that the proposals lack detail and could hand thousands of acres of rural Sussex over to developers who will be able to build without going through the planning process. 

In its interpretation of the White Paper, CPRE Sussex says all unprotected countryside in Sussex would be classified as either a 'Growth Area' or a 'Renewal Area'.

Growth areas would be automatically granted outline approval for development and Renewal areas would be considered suitable for some 'gentle densification'. 

Dr. Roger Smith from CPRE Sussex added:

"The consequences for the natural environment could be catastrophic.

"Once an area becomes a Growth area or a Renewal area will there be no environmental protection at all?

"The lack of detail is real cause for concern.

"For example: how big will a Growth area be? What exactly does 'gentle densification' mean? Will there be any consideration for the local communities, wildlife and natural habitats?"

CPRE Sussex stated that the white paper blames the local plan process for slow build rates and promises to cut red tape to free up the planning system.

However, it added that Local Government Association figures show that more than 1 million homes granted planning permission in the past ten years have not been built. 

Dr. Smith continued:

"Build rates are controlled by developers.

"They are in it to make money and will only build houses if they can make a profit which is acceptable to them.

"So, unless the government is going to subsidise builders to build affordable homes and infrastructure the same problems will prevail."

"An example of this is North of Horsham which was bought with outline planning permission by Legal and General in 2017.

"The new owners have now put house building on hold due to economic uncertainties which have nothing to do with council delays… or NIMBYS… or Newts!

"They won't build until they are sure they will make money."

The government said, following the publication of its proposals for reforms, it will now consult with planners, lawyers and local government experts on the proposals, as well as interest groups and residents.