March 18, 2013
England

Protect our countryside

By Jon Townend | Hull Daily Mail | March 18, 2013 | www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk

Countryside campaigners have formally asked the Government to give the Yorkshire Wolds extra protection against development.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has given ministers an eight- point manifesto.

A central part of the strategy is the creation of new Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Yorkshire Wolds.

That would give the area the same protection as is enjoyed by the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The CPRE says it wants the Government to recognise the benefits to be gained from the nation’s countryside in supporting tourism.

Emma Marrington, CPRE’s rural policy campaigner, said: “It’s time for the Government to up its game and stand up for the countryside.”

The CPRE wants any significant scheme in the Yorkshire Wolds to be subject to the highest level of scrutiny under the major development test – questioning if it is in the national interest, if there is any alternative and what the impact would be on the economy and environment.

If the suggestions are adopted it may mean a boost for campaigners opposed to wind turbines.

East Riding Council has warned the crippling cost of fighting unsuccessful planning appeals may force it to start approving more wind farms.

The authority has so far turned down nine applications, only to see them overturned on appeal.

At an average cost of £70,000 per appeal defeat, that means a bill of £630,000 – money the council can ill afford.

Councillor Symon Fraser, planning portfolio holder at East Riding Council, said: “The message is clear; you’re going to have to have an absolutely outstanding reason for refusal or it will be passed on appeal.”

Natural England will decide if the Wolds is worthy of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/18/protect-our-countryside/