Land Use Framework – our response on the government’s consultation

The Government’s proposed Land Use Framework – good in theory, but needs real teeth to enforce protections. Also, any Land use Framework must be more than just an optional tool, it must be explicitly integrated with other planning policies including the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance, and the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects guidance under the Planning Act.

CPRE has long campaigned for a national land use strategy. Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive at the national level of CPRE, has written about why this is so important, now more than ever.

‘There is a simple truth about land – it’s finite. And put even more starkly, if we carry on as we are with all the myriad plans that depend on land (from restoring nature to producing food, and from homes to new infrastructure) we will soon run out. Classical economists recognised that land is one of the pre-requisites for growth, alongside entrepreneurship, capital and labour. So it is strange that too often it is so carelessly deployed. Whether it’s solar farms on prize farmland while warehouse roofs remain bare, or new, car dependent housing estates on greenfield sites devoid of infrastructure, decisions like this have little regard for the preciousness of land. It may not be what the government intended, but in the rush to build at any cost, it’s what we will get.’

A land use strategy means prioritisation

It’s inarguable that land is a finite resource. And a land use strategy should therefore enable prioritisation, taking into account land features and constraints.

For example, the best agricultural land should be protected for food production, to help reduce reliance on food imports. Areas that are prone to flooding should not be developed. And highly-valued landscapes should be protected for their intrinsic value.

Most importantly, we think land use choices and priorities should be made clear and put into practice all across central and local government.

So, while the government’s recent consultation on its pending Land Use Framework is welcome, we don’t think it goes far enough. Our detailed consultation submission is available for download here.

Download

For more about land use approaches in England, read CPRE’s recent interview with environmental campaigner and author Guy Shrubsole.

Here at CPRE Hertfordshire our mission is to protect, promote and enhance the countryside for today and for future generations. This means making better decisions about land to protect what is special and loved.

Please join us. We are a membership charity open to everyone, and it’s easy and quick to join online.