Government U-turn on planning affects significant proportion of Mid Sussex

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which has consistently lobbied for deregulation in the planning system, said National Parks and AONBs will not reap the many social and economic benefits that the reforms will provide.

About half of Mid Sussex lies within the High Weald Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and so will not now be subject to certain Government planning reforms.CLA Director South East Robin Edwards said: “We strongly support the principle of these proposals. The creation of new homes benefit those who live and work in the countryside. Allowing traditional farm buildings to be modified and reused will retain the heritage of these structures for further generations. This will encourage employment and the income generated will help land managers to look after and protect the natural environment.

“But it is a real shame that these benefits won’t apply in designated areas, where the need for new homes is critical and where many communities are already deemed to be “unsustainable” having lost vital services over the years due to the restriction on new housing and employment development.

“Businesses and communities in these areas unable to benefit from converting traditional farm buildings to houses are left at a competitive disadvantage.

“Many thousands of redundant but important heritage constructions without an economic use will be left to fall down.

“It would appear that the Government is keen to preserve much of our countryside in aspic, rather than deliver an enhanced and dynamic natural environment.

CLA South East Regional Surveyor Tim Broomhead said: “Breathing new life into dilapidated traditional farm buildings by giving them a new use will ensure their long term future and underpin the sustainability of rural communities and the businesses within them by providing critically needed new housing.

“The whole countryside should be able to benefit from the reinvigoration of rural heritage and better protection of the natural environment.”

What do you think? Does the Government’s U-turn provide invaluable protection for rural communities, or does it curtail opportunities to ensure their continuing viability?

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