The Sussex branch of the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) issued a strongly worded press release in early September warning against the housing targets mandated by the new Labour government. They claimed then that the raised targets, arising from proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), would “fail to tackle the affordable housing crisis and threaten to overwhelm Sussex with more development”.

Under the government’s New Standard Method, Hastings’ housing target would be raised by 47.4%, Rother by 21%.

These and other targets across the county would, the CPRE argued, place councillors on planning committees under extreme pressure to grant large numbers of planning permissions to major developers. This would further endanger green spaces, places for wildlife, existing infrastructure and land for food production and flood management. 

The government’s consultation on the proposals closed on 24 September. On that day, Sussex CPRE followed up with a further call for a “brownfield-first approach”, with rapid transition to a Net Zero power system.

Director Paul Steedman said: “The NPPF guides decisions around new development and sets out policies on everything from transport and housing to our environment and the countryside. It affects all of us. 

“It’s crucial that the NPPF sets out a positive and ambitious vision for our countryside and new development. It should breathe life back into our countryside, rather than serving only the interests of large, profit-hungry developers. This is a critical moment for our countryside. We urge the Government to recognise the vital role it plays in meeting our nation’s challenges.”


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/news.jpgHIPNewsCampaign to Protect Rural England,Labour,National Planning Policy FrameworkThe Sussex branch of the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) issued a strongly worded press release in early September warning against the housing targets mandated by the new Labour government. They claimed then that the raised targets, arising from proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF),...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper