CPRE, the countryside charity, welcomes today’s launch of the Independent Panel’s final report, Landscapes Review, which outlines a set of next steps for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England.
Crispin Truman, Chief Executive, said:
‘We welcome this vital review into how National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be even better in the future. These astounding landscapes should be experienced and enjoyed by everyone, so we absolutely agree that more must be done to improve access for all. We believe there should be a bold ambition for every child to visit and learn about these places and for people from all walks of life to have the opportunity to visit and fall in love with National Parks and AONBs.’
‘CPRE has long supported the brilliant work of hard-pressed AONBs, so we’re thrilled that the review recommends that they should be strengthened and in particular that they should be given much-needed additional funding and a greater say on development in their areas. We suggested in our response to the review’s call for evidence that there should be a more joined up and consistent approach to planning in AONBs.’
‘The report makes many recommendations that chime with CPRE’s hopes. We do have concerns, however, that adding an economic purpose to National Parks and AONBs may inadvertently put these landscapes at risk of inappropriate development being pushed through. But we recognise that the aim is to foster the economic and community vitality of these areas and we are keen to see the right, sustainable development in the right place in rural areas like these, such as truly affordable homes to support local communities.’
Now it is time for Government action to ensure that many of these great recommendations can become a reality, with commitments for increased funding for AONBs and to increase access for all such as through community projects, and to ensure that every child really can spend a night under the stars in a National Park or AONB by embedding this in the curriculum.’
’We very much look forward to working together towards a brighter future for National Parks and AONBs.’
