Sir
In the debate over the Government’s planning reforms, we are in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There is a strong case for a reformed national planning policy framework that delivers growth, jobs and new business in a timely way. At present, the weight of conflicting policy advice and the dearth of planning policy at local level do not lead to swift or effective decision-making.
Representing farmers and other rural businesses, we are concerned that the public debate on this issue has become over-emotional and polarised. Calls to save the green belt and fears about housing development on a massive scale are eclipsing the vital case for much-needed small-scale economic growth. Rural areas need affordable homes and opportunities for business growth and new jobs - even more than our towns and cities.
So, yes, we support the proposed planning reform because it recognises the necessity of growth in rural settings while maintaining the presumption against the development of our best and most versatile land, which is likely to be needed for food production as rarely before over the years ahead.
CLA President William Worsley
NFU President Peter Kendall
CAAV President Robert H Hicks
No comments have been made.