We must fight to keep our protection rights (From Gazette & Herald)

We must fight to keep our protection rights

MANY of our local district plans identify areas where the landscapes are "of great quality and attractiveness" - for example, the Ryedale local plan from which I quote singles out the Yorkshire Wolds and the fringe of the North York Moors.

These, it says, "merit an extra degree of protection over and above normal policies for development in the open countryside", and so a special policy is included in the plan. This policy has, over the years, prevented intrusive development in these areas, and has enabled the planning committee to require the use of traditional design and materials or adequate landscaping and screening, where development was permitted.

The Government now proposes to change the guidance which allowed such areas to be designated - it "does not believe that local countryside designations are necessary" and advises planning authorities to remove them when they revise their plans. It considers that the general policy that "planning authorities should continue to protect the countryside for the sake of its intrinsic character and beauty, the diversity of its landscapes and wildlife and the wealth of its natural resources", which is included in the proposed new guidance, would be sufficient.

Much of North Yorkshire's countryside enjoys a high level of protection by being part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or the Nidderdale AONB - these are national designations and would not be affected by the Government's proposed change of policy. It is not clear why the Government now wants to remove the small measure of extra protection which our local designations provide - why shouldn't our local councils be able to guard the assets which, through tourism, bring in a major part of our income? This, fortunately, is a draft statement of policy, so there is a chance to object and I hope that your readers will urge their local MPs and councillors to do so.

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, October 08, 2003