Rural Statement - time to deliver a living, working countryside

Published by Fiona Mannion for TCPA in Central Government and also in Communities, Environment, Housing, Local Government

Leading housing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has welcomed the rural statement announced today by the new Secretary of State, the Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson MP, for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but warns that it must translate into delivery on the ground.

Kate Henderson, TCPA Chief Executive said:

“The TCPA welcomes the ambitions in the rural statement released today and its commitment to a living, working countryside, which also protects and enhances the natural environment. Cherished for its distinctive landscapes and diverse wildlife, rural England is home for over 12 million people and at least half a million businesses; it is also an open-air factory for growing food and providing essential eco-services such as water, flood control, recyclable energy and carbon sinks. However, at a time when England faces huge demographic, economic and environmental challenges, the real test will be in the delivery of action on the ground to secure the long term well being of our rural villages and towns.”

“The TCPA would also urge the new Secretary of State to consider the benefits that high quality new communities - in the right places - can offer to rural areas; such as garden villages, suburbs and towns, in providing affordable housing, creating jobs and promoting sustainable lifestyles and development.”

The TCPA is a member of the Rural Coalition, a cross sector of organisations who are interested in seeing a vibrant and sustainable future for rural communities. The Rural Coalition have issued a press statement which can be found here.