The rural lobby and sustainable housebuilding in the countryside
"Peter Hetherington states that "A vocal lobby, from the chairman of the National Trust to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is seemingly against any development, presumably preferring soulless villages, set in aspic and largely devoid of life" (Who will lead the renaissance for rural communities?, 9 April 2013). This is patently untrue. A recent review of CPRE's housing policies, led by our dedicated grassroots organisation, resulted in a statement (available on our website) that said: "Meeting the housing needs of rural communities is particularly important if they are to thrive."
And this statement is backed by action. Our Leicestershire branch part-funds a rural housing enabler, whose job it is to get rural affordable housing built to meet needs in our villages and market towns. And a few years ago our Suffolk branch, in partnership with local councils and Orwell Housing Association, led a pioneering design competition for new affordable housing in the village of Elmswell. The result was 26 energy-efficient new affordable homes.
It is true that CPRE opposes unsustainable housing development which would unnecessarily damage our countryside. But we understand that to avoid this very damage, we must support alternatives which offer a sustainable and long-term solution to our housing crisis.
Kate Houghton
Planning officer, CPRE"
For the embedded links to be live and for other letters from:Barney White-Spunner Countryside Alliance and Catherine Harrington National CLT Network...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/apr/15/rural-lobby-housebuilding-countryside Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.