Nationally-protected landscapes are under greater threat than ever from new road schemes, wind farms and housing developments, according to new research by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
The environmental campaign group has drawn up a shortlist of nine ‘jewels in the crown’ of the English countryside which, it claims, face the prospect of serious damage because of the undermining of planning safeguards.
It highlights the impact of a new 3.8km bypass on the A590 near High and Low Newton in the Lake District National Park, and of the 5.7km Tintwistle bypass in the Peak District National Park.
CPRE also warns that the threat of renewed quarrying at Backdale Quarry near Great Longstone will increase heavy vehicle traffic and pollution in the Peak District, and that plans for 24 wind turbines will be a major visual intrusion in the North Pennies Area of Natural Beauty and Northumberland National Park.
Plans for 20 wind turbines at Lincolnshire Worlds, new homes on the Kent Downs, and a new football stadium and transport interchange in the Sussex Downs, together with a 4.6km bypass on the A354 north of Weymouth in Dorset and for the Dunkeswell Racing Circuit in the Blackdown Hills are other areas of outstanding natural beauty which CPRE says are under threat.
‘The whole basis on which the nation’s most beautiful countryside is there to be enjoyed by us all is called into question by a series of damaging proposals,’ said Tom Oliver, head of rural policy at CPRE, which wants the Government to allow development in rural areas only in the most exceptional circumstances.
‘Protected landscapes are only protected to the extent that the Government and local authorities obey their own rules. Time and again, it appears that the Government or a local council are tearing up the rules when a significant conflict arises between one of our finest landscapes and another interest.’
He continued: ‘Threat has already become reality with work starting on the A590 High and Low Newton bypass this month. The bypass got the go ahead, despite running for its entire length through the Lake District National Park.
‘What is the point of having laws that protect our precious countryside if they are ignored when it really matters? The Government and all local authorities should show leadership in the sustainable use of land, and honour the protection afforded to nationally-designated landscapes.’