CPRE Sussex asks for bill changes to protect nature

CPRE Sussex has written to MPs, asking them to accept amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that it believes will mitigate the ‘most misguided elements’.

The charity supports four amendments proposed in the House of Lords.

These alterations are described as "critical" for safeguarding local democratic accountability, creating sustainable living spaces, halting the destruction of wild areas by developers, and preserving vital chalk stream habitats.

Paul Steedman, director of CPRE Sussex, said: "The Bill as originally proposed exemplifies the poisonous rhetoric which has falsely pitted nature against growth and ‘builders’ against ‘blockers’.

"It contemptuously treats much-treasured wildlife and local environment-lovers as enemies of those struggling economically."

The charity believes that the government's original bill compromises essential protections for nature and the ability of local people to shape their communities.

It feels the bill favours major developers over the needs of the community.

Mr Steedman said: "CPRE Sussex is a major advocate for truly affordable housing – especially for social rent – that meets local needs. But ‘build, baby, build’ is not a serious policy solution to the crisis in housing affordability.

"Making the planning system the scapegoat, and throwing local democracy and nature to the wolves, will not fix a broken housing market."