The manifesto, Stand up for our local countryside, calls on all parties to commit to better policies that support thriving and empowered communities, make use of land efficiently, and address the grave threats posed by climate change.
CPRE’s manifesto asks prospective mayors and councillors, if elected, to support policies which support the countryside locally that address:
- Best use of land - respecting the constraints of designated landscapes, making use of brownfield sites and prioritising sustainable, public transport.
- Thriving rural communities - getting the local council building more homes for social rent and prioritising local housing need over market demand.
- Empowered communities - championing and upholding the voice of local people through the planning system
- An enjoyable countryside – developing light pollution policies and encouraging outreach and engagement programmes to provide equal access to the countryside.
- Climate change and the countryside – setting a local authority climate change strategy and embedding climate change into all local policy areas.
CPRE Cheshire Branch Chairman, Andrew Needham, commented:
“The beauty of our countryside is a world-famous national treasure. It is an essential place for our health and wellbeing, which provides boundless benefits. But as short-term economic needs dominate the political agenda, our countryside and green spaces are too often put under pressure. The next few years will be critical to ensure that we provide the new houses and infrastructure local people desperately need, whilst safeguarding our beautiful, thriving landscape for all to enjoy.
“Finding solutions to regenerate urban areas, build the affordable homes people need and tackle climate change goes beyond politics. That is why today we call on candidates of all parties to act to promote, enhance and protect our beautiful and unique countryside and green spaces. We encourage all members of the community to write to their candidates urging them to support the manifesto put forward by CPRE.”