Take action! Government puts Chilterns National Landscape at risk

The government-sponsored Fingleton Review of nuclear regulations was published late last year. Among its recommendations is to remove or constrain the legal duty of local authorities to support National Parks and National Landscapes. But its case for scrapping environmental protections is deeply flawed.

We’re now at a critical moment in the government’s consideration of the Fingleton Review recommendations, which risk trashing the countryside and causing permanent damage to protected landscapes including the Chilterns National Landscape right here in Hertfordshire.

It’s not enough that the government cancelled the Chilterns National Landscape Boundary Review extension project last year, now they may place the Chilterns at even greater risk of harmful development.

Stand up for protected landscapes

Why the strengthened duty in LURA matters

Introduced in 2023, the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) placed a clear legal duty on public bodies — such as councils, water companies and highways authorities — to actively seek to further the purposes of National Parks and National Landscapes. These are to protect, conserve, enhance and promote these special places.

This replaced the far weaker ‘have regard to’ duty which lacked the teeth to influence major infrastructure and development decisions.

The Fingleton Review gets it wrong

The Fingleton Review recommends repealing or constraining the strengthened duty in LURA over fears it could delay or prevent nuclear development. If protections are weakened, the risk to protected landscapes from poorly planned development of all types, not just nuclear energy, will be greatly increased.

Strong protections support national priorities

This would be particularly short-sighted given the vital role National Parks and National Landscapes play in helping to deliver the government’s target of 30% of land in good condition for nature by 2030; supporting climate resilience and nature recovery; improving access to nature and supporting physical and mental health; and providing green spaces that are for everyone.

England’s National Parks and National Landscapes – including the Chilterns National Landscape – are among our greatest shared assets. These places are part of what makes the countryside special. And keeping strong forward-looking protections in place is one of the best ways to ensure landscapes remain just as inspiring, resilient and welcoming for future generations.

You don’t have to take our word for it: protecting the countryside enjoys the public’s support across generations, with three quarters of young people in Britain wanting more of the UK’s countryside protected.

Take action! Add your voice to the campaign

The government is expected to make a final decision on the Fingleton Review recommendations in the coming weeks. There is still time to speak up for the Chilterns National Landscape, and all National Parks and National Landscapes, and stop these damaging plans.

We are backing The Wildlife Trusts’ Nuclear Regulatory Review Campaign to help stop the nature crisis becoming a catastrophe.

You can add your voice and join more than 12,000 people who have already emailed the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, and their own MP. It’s time for the government to stand up for protected landscapes and reject the flawed recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review.

For further information on the campaign and to take action, click here –

Take action! Add your voice to the campaign