CPRE is calling for an official inquiry as first research shows planning reforms are failing the countryside. Growth agenda is fuelling damaging development across National Parks and other precious landscapes. Pressures include a major new road scheme through the Peak District and intrusive mobile homes in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is consulting on proposals to allow existing farm buildings to be converted to flats or houses. While CPRE is in favour of providing affordable rural homes, the lack of safeguards means these changes would enable farms of any size to convert buildings to houses for sale on the open market.

CPRE says Airports Commission legal challenge is necessary and appropriate, while Stop Stansted Expansion alleges the commission’s work may be biased.