News Archive
16 December 2008: National Park campaigners express concern over Snowdonia airfield development
CNP has expressed concern about the decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to allow a new civilian airfield to be developed in the Snowdonia National Park at Llanbedr. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones approved the sale of the site to Kemble Air Services which intends to operate the site to accommodate private flying and to let the empty buildings on the site for business use.
CNP Policy Director Ruth Chambers commented “This decision raises a number of concerns, not least the conflict between a civilian airfield and the conservation of the National Park. It also begs the question of how the Assembly Government can approve a 125-year lease without knowing the environmental impacts of the airfield.
As well as being located in the Snowdonia National Park, the Llanbedr site is internationally important for wildlife and these designations bring with them strict tests before certain developments can proceed. Today’s decision undermines the Assembly Government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and protecting tranquil rural environments.
Llanbedr Airfield was originally built in 1940 during the Second World War at a time of military need. Decisions on its future use should be based on current needs and priorities, including the environmental sensitivity of the site. The subsequent designation of the Snowdonia National Park in 1951 makes its use as a commercial airfield inappropriate today”.
For more information see the press release
15 December 2008: Geoff Hoon jumps the gun
CNP and the Friends of the Peak District are demanding an explanation from the Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, about his role as the decision-maker for the Mottram Tintwistle bypass. Geoff Hoon is being asked to explain reports about a recent meeting he held with pro-bypass lobbyists, after which MP Tom Levitt was quoted saying that “local politicians and the Highways Agency agreed that there was no credible alternative route for the road.”
CNP is concerned that the public inquiry into the controversial bypass of the A57 and A628 has not yet looked at alternative routes or options for reducing traffic and that the statements suggest that Geoff Hoon has pre-judged the outcome of the inquiry.
Ruth Chambers, Policy Chief at the Campaign for National Parks says “Major developments in National Parks must be subject to rigorous public examination as part of the process of deciding whether they should proceed. Mr Hoon appears to have circumvented this and we are concerned that his reported comments will lead to a loss of public confidence in the inquiry process.”
Friends of the Peak District and the Campaign for National Parks have also invited the Secretary of State to meet with the objectors to the bypass, to hear the other side of the argument.
For more information see the press release
27 November 2008: CNP gives evidence at the National Assembly for Wales on traffic-free networks
On 26 November CNP appeared before the Enterprise and Learning Committee of the National Assembly of Wales to give evidence on a proposed new power which would allow the Assembly to make provisions for traffic-free networks across Wales. Initiated by transport campaigners Sustrans, the proposals would see Wales leap ahead internationally in terms of putting walkers, cyclists and other non-car users at the centre of policy-making (not instead of cars but alongside).
The proposals would enable the existing rights of way networks to be used as a “backbone” from which to develop more sustainable means of making short journeys in and around the Parks, and even better recreational infrastructure for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and others. Given the serious harm that high volumes of car traffic can inflict on National Parks’ special qualities – disturbance to wildlife, poorer air quality and disruption to tranquillity – any measure that would help to alleviate traffic levels must be welcomed. This could also have positive knock-on effects for local and regional economies.
These points were well received by the Committee and CNP hopes that the proposed new power will now be considered by the National Assembly.
29 October 2008: Are MPs ignoring the goose that lays golden eggs?
CNP has joined forces with CPRE to emphasise the vital connection between successful rural communities and attractive, well managed countryside. A report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee concentrates on the question of how to realise the untapped potential of rural economies. But throughout, very little attention is paid to the huge contribution that a high quality environment can make to social and economic well-being in the countryside.
Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of CNP, said: ‘The EFRA Committee has fallen into the trap of thinking that the high environmental quality of our National Parks has been maintained at the expense of businesses within them. On the contrary, CNP's Prosperity and Protection research shows that National Parks help businesses to prosper, locally and regionally and that a healthy natural environment and a healthy rural economy go hand in hand'.
For more information see the press release
14 October 2008: National Park pressure groups challenge long-term military use of Dartmoor
CNP, along with Dartmoor Preservation Association, Open Spaces Society and Ramblers' Association, is deeply concerned about the impasse reached by the Dartmoor Steering Group, as revealed in its annual report.
The organisations have expressed their concern that the Ministry of Defence is intent upon seeking renewal of the licence for live firing in the Dartmoor National Park, given the conflicts between military training and protecting the Park’s wildness and enabling public access. The licence, from the Duchy of Cornwall, expires in 2012. Furthermore, no agreement was reached in the Steering Group that the Ministry of Defence had demonstrated the need for military training to continue on Dartmoor in the long term.
Ruth Chambers, head of policy of CNP says ' We are dismayed that the Ministry of Defence is claiming that it has made the case for continuing to occupy the Dartmoor National Park in the long term. Live firing with all its associated structures and activities is patently contrary to protecting Dartmoor’s wildness and quiet recreation.
‘In our view, the competing national interests of protecting Dartmoor’s wildlife and enabling our armed forces to train ready for battle need to be looked at in an independent arena, rather than accepting the MoD’s assertion that training must continue at the same level, which it is bound to claim.
For more information see the press release
29 September 2008: Stronger links between ethnic minorities and National Parks
CNP and other National Park campaigners have been celebrating the achievements of the Mosaic Partnership which has strengthened links between ethnic minority communities from towns and cities and the National Parks of England and Wales.
The Mosaic Partnership, which was hosted by CNP, has made remarkable strides in building links between ethnic minorities and the National Parks – over 200 influential leaders of local ethnic minority communities are now actively promoting the National Parks in their communities. The project has helped them to gain a range of new skills including in leading walks, map reading, working with the media and campaigning. This will help to ensure that the knowledge and experiences which they have gained will continue to be shared once the project has ended.
CNP is now hoping to build on the achievements of the Mosaic Partnership with an even more ambitious national project, which would involve all 12 National Parks in England and Wales, and work with ethnic minority communities in over 20 cities that are suffering from high deprivation and a lack of access to green space.
For more information see the press release
1 August 2008: National coalition celebrates ‘trailblazing’ mining appeal success for Peak District National Park
CNP and other members of the Longstone Edge Coalition have welcomed the Court of Appeal's decision to give the Peak District National Park Authority and the Government leave to appeal a High Court decision that has left 350 hectares of land at Longstone Edge vulnerable to mining devastation. A High Court judgement in March overturned a public inquiry recommendation and a stop notice by the National Park Authority thus allowing Bleaklow Industries to continue quarrying using a permission for mineral extraction granted in 1952.
For more information see the press release
11 July 2008: First ever giant wind turbine in a National Park is to be built
CNP, along with other national and regional environmental groups, has criticised the government’s decision today to grant permission for a giant wind turbine at Glyndebourne in the South Downs. The turbine will be the first industrial-scale turbine ever to be built in a designated National Park.
Ruth Chambers of CNP, a member of the South Downs Environmental Protection Consortium, said “We are hugely disappointed by the government’s decision in this case which our view fails to appreciate the national importance of the South Downs landscape. However, we are heartened by the government’s acknowledgement that the Glyndebourne turbine is a special case because it is a unique enterprise in a unique location. This sends a very clear message to would be turbine developers that in general nationally important landscapes such as the South Downs will be protected from large wind schemes.”
She continued: “It is encouraging that the Secretary of State, in recognising the importance of protecting our finest landscapes, has reiterated the government’s commitment to their protection. However, in his report, the inquiry Inspector has acknowledged the development would have significant adverse impacts on the local countryside and on walkers. Added to this, the Inspector notes that the development will generate low levels of energy. So on many counts, we find the government’s decision very puzzling.”
For more information see the press release
27 June 2008: Major agencies back call for Government to save Peak District from mining devastation
CNP, as part of the Longstone Edge Coalition, has warned the Government to ‘act now’ or lose 350 hectares of irreplaceable landscape forever. This summer marks the five year anniversary that Bleaklow Industries and MMC resumed the mining of a 1952-granted mineral permission at the outstandingly beautiful Longstone Edge in the Peak District National Park.
The coalition has written to the Government urging Defra to provide immediate financial support to the Peak District National Park Authority to halt continued devastation caused by the quarrying. In a letter to the Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn MP, Ruth Chambers, Deputy CEO of CNP has urged the Government to “give the highest priority” to saving Longstone Edge.
For more information see the press release
June 2008: Change of name for CNP to Campaign for National Parks
CNP has changed its name from Council for National Parks to the Campaign for National Parks, with immediate effect. In Welsh the name will change from Cyngor y Parciau Cenedlaethol to Ymgyrch y Parciau Cenedlaethol.
CNP has been aware of the limitations of its name for some years. The word “Council” meant CNP was regularly confused with a local authority and those unfamiliar with CNP’s work assumed we are funded by government. The initials CNP will be retained as these carry weight with those who know and respect CNP's work, but the bread and butter of CNP’s work is, and will continue to be, campaigning for National Parks.
April 2008
Climate change was the focus of a parliamentary reception that CNP held on 1 April in the House of Commons. Hosted by Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, the event was attended by a number of parliamentarians as well as representatives from the National Parks. See here for more information.
February 2008: South Downs Inquiry Reopens
A public inquiry into the designation of the South Downs National Park reopened in February and CNP, as part of the South Downs Campaign, will be giving evidence. The inquiry will hear new evidence on whether a large area known as the Western Weald should be included within the National Park boundary. CNP believes that its exclusion from the National Park is not justified and that its inclusion within the final park boundary is essential.
February 2008: Green groups fight Glyndebourne wind turbine
CNP has joined forces with other countryside organisations to challenge plans for a giant wind turbine on the South Downs near Glyndebourne at a Planning Inquiry which opened in Lewes this week. The coalition is in favour of renewable energy, but is concerned that this particular turbine would have a seriously damaging visual impact on the Downs and that the turbine is the wrong scheme in the wrong place.
Ruth Chambers, CNP’s Head of Policy, said ‘this raises important national issues as it would be the largest turbine in a National Park in England once the Park comes into being’.
For more information see the press release, an article in the Independent or coverage on Meridian TV
February 2008: Extensions to Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks put on hold
Natural England has announced that it is to defer the public consultation on possible extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. This is because the South Downs Inquiry is considering issues which may have an impact on the designation work in the north-west, for example whether National Parks should contain more than one type of landscape character. The consultation will resume after the South Downs Inquiry has closed and a final decision has been made.
For more information see Natural England’s press release
11 December 2007: Woodhead rail tunnel must be safeguarded
National Grid's plans to run cables through the Woodhead Tunnel could thwart aspirations to improve public transport in the Peak District. Although the tunnel is currently disused, the plans mean that it could not be reopened for freight and passenger trains between Sheffield and Manchester. If reopened this line could eliminate the need for a damaging road through Peak District.
The Campaign for Better Transport is encouraging people to ask their MP to sign a petition to ensure that the Woodhead Tunnel is protected for rail use. See their website for more information.
7 December 2007: Funding increase for English National Park Authorities
CNP has welcomed Defra's announcement that England's National Parks are to receive £9.6 million more over the next three years. Defra's annual grant to the National Parks and the Broads will rise from £44.4 million now to £48.9 million in 2010/11, a ten per cent increase.
For more information see Defra's press release
3 December 2007: National Parks can change people's lives
CNP is holding a reception at the Senedd which will explore how National Parks have changed people's lives. The event will tell the story of the Mosaic Partnership, a flagship project which aims to build stronger links between ethnic minority communities and National Parks and to break down some of the barriers to engagement. Speakers include, fifteen-year-old Community Champion Priya Persaud and broadcaster, presenter and a CNP Vice President Sara Edwards.
For more information see the press release
25 October 2007: South Downs inquiry welcomed
CNP has welcomed today’s announcement by Defra Landscape Minister Jonathan Shaw that the Public Inquiry into the proposed South Downs National Park will reopen in February 2008. As the full terms of reference for the Inquiry are not yet clear, the Inquiry Inspector will be urged to hear evidence on areas which he currently thinks should be excluded from the National Park, such as the western Weald.
The case for granting National Park status to the western Weald is overwhelming. It is a beautiful and iconic landscape with close associations to the chalk hills. Its inclusion would ensure that a South Downs National Park would be big and varied enough to fulfil the needs for quiet recreation and spiritual renewal of the ever-expanding population of the south east.
For more information see the press release
For more information about the Inquiry go to the Defra website at:
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/issues/landscap/natparks/sdowns/index.htm
10 October 2007: Ben Fogle backs South Downs campaign
Ben Fogle, TV presenter, adventurer and the new President of CNP visited the western Weald, the area threatened by exclusion from the South Downs National Park. He was shown round by the actor and adventurer Brian Blessed now Vice President of the CNP and by members of the South Downs Campaign (SDC).
Ben Fogle is warning that if the western Weald is left out of the National Park, there will be great uncertainty over its future as much of it would be vulnerable to losing its national protection. He is reiterating the warning made by Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman of Natural England, that this could leave the area vulnerable to development.
Ben said:
“This area is incredibly beautiful and surely meets the criteria for inclusion in the South Downs National Park. I cannot understand how anyone can say otherwise. However, the Inquiry Inspector has and as a result this area is under real threat. If we don’t get the western Weald back in the National Park then parts of it could be lost forever. Not only that but if the Inspector’s decision is left unchallenged it has ramifications far beyond the western Weald and for all nationally designated landscapes.”
For more information see the press release
1 October 2007: New powers for National Park Authorities to protect green lanes
CNP has welcomed new powers for National Park Authorities in England to make Traffic Regulation Orders to control the use of motor vehicles on rights of way. The new powers have been introduced in response to concerns about the impact that recreational motor vehicles such as four wheel drives and trail bikes can have on the conservation and enjoyment of some National Parks.
For more information see the press release
14 September 2007: Government told to ‘address concern’ about military training in National Parks
CNP has welcomed the Defence Committee’s report, published today, into the work of Defence Estates, which calls on the Ministry of Defence to set out how it will address concerns about the potential for rationalisation of the defence training estate to lead to intensified use of National Parks for military training.
For more information see the press release
13 September 2007: "National Parks can boost national well being" campaigners tell Conservative review group
CNP has welcomed the publication of the final report of the Quality of Life Policy Group, which will inform the future policy direction of the Conservative Party. The report covers many important issues and does not shy away from recommending radical solutions to modern environmental challenges.
CNP particularly welcomes the recognition that it is impossible to place an economic value on many of our environmental assets, for example the enjoyment of the 29 million annual visitors to the Peak District National Park. CNP's recent report Prosperity and Protection supports this but also shows that as well as being wonderful places that millions of people visit, National Parks bring prosperity for businesses in around them.
For more information see the press release
24 August 2007: A47 dyke removal threat to wildlife
Environmental campaigners have expressed concern over Government’s plans to investigate a trial site for dyke relocation alongside the A47 Acle Straight, within the Broads Executive Area. The Council for National Parks (CNP) and Transport 2000 say that any decision to go ahead with a trial should only be taken once alternative small-scale road safety solutions have been tried and tested. Monitoring of road safety measures only recently put in place will not be complete until summer 2008.
For more information see the press release
23 August 2007: Government urged to boost green access to National Parks
CNP is calling on the government to support the many pioneering solutions to transport issues in National Parks, being promoted by the National Park Authorities and other key partners in England and Wales. The schemes, often directly funded by the Park Authorities, encourage people to find alternative ways of getting to and around the Parks while leaving the car at home. Government support is vital if green access to the Parks is to be improved.
For more information see the press release
21 August 2007: Giant South Downs Wind Turbine: Government intervenes
CNP and several other countryside organisations have welcomed the government’s decision to call-in the application for a 230-foot wind turbine at Glyndebourne in the South Downs, in a location which forms part of the designated National Park.
For more information see the press release
09 August 2007: More aircraft over New Forest is 'plane stupid' say Park campaigners
CNP and the New Forest Association have joined forces to object to a proposal to expand airspace over a large section of the New Forest National Park, which threatens to destroy the peace and quiet of England’s newest National Park.
Coupled with plans to grow Bournemouth airport, and to more than treble passenger numbers at Southampton airport over the next 23 years, this increased air traffic will blight people’s enjoyment of the New Forest, as well as the quality of life of people living within the area.
For more information see the press release
17 July 2007: Ben Fogle to fight National Park cause
Ben Fogle becomes the new President of the Council for National Parks (CNP) tomorrow, following in the footsteps of Brian Blessed who has been President for the last 6 years.
Ben took this opportunity to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Hobhouse report to government recommending the South Downs be designated a National Park.
For further information see the press release
12 July 2007: Countryside organisations vow to continue fight against giant turbine
Leading countryside organisations have vowed to continue their campaign to protect the South Downs from a giant wind turbine on Mill Plain, above Glyndebourne. This promise follows the news that Lewes District Council wants to grant permission for an industrial scale wind turbine at Glyndebourne Opera House in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The organisations are calling for a public inquiry into this proposed development, to consider fully the implications of building such a huge structure on such a sensitive and prominent part of the South Downs.
For further information see the press release
4 July 2007: Brian says goodbye as battle for Downs continues
A celebratory walk to thank the actor adventurer Brian Blessed as he steps down as President of CNP is taking place on 8 July in the South Downs, 60 years after it was first proposed as a National Park. CNP is a member of the South Downs Campaign which has organised the walk in conjunction with the Ramblers’ Association.
The government has published a further consultation on the designation of the South Downs as a National Park, including the report of the independent inspector at the public inquiry which ran from November 2003 to March 2005. The inspector has recommended that the South Downs National Park should be confirmed and that an additional 25km2 should be included within the boundary but the Northern boundary changed to exclude a large chuck of the Low Weald in Hampshire and West Sussex.
For further information see the press release
25 June 2007: Campaigners call for A628 public inquiry delay to assess Highways Agency surprise new evidence
CNP, along with other major environmental and amenity groups, has been forced to call for a delay to the long awaited public inquiry into the proposed Mottram/Tintwistle bypass and A628 upgrade due to begin on Tuesday 26th June. This will allow all parties involved the opportunity to scrutinise substantial new evidence submitted by the Highways Agency.
The new evidence makes many amendments and corrections to the Agency's already submitted Environmental Statement, which contained errors including the omission of numerous sites of historical interest and potential noise impacts that had been estimated using an incorrect factor.
For more information see the press release
19 June 2007: CNP welcomes a government consultation which could improve access to National Park coastlines in England
Defra has launched a consultation on improving access to the English coast http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/coast-access/index.htm.
Government had requested Natural England's advice on how to best deliver these improvements, and its advice has also been published http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/leisure/access/default.htm
The consultation considers four options for improving delivery of coastal access - 1) Use of the Highways Act; 2) Use of the CROW Act; 3) Use of voluntary measures; 4) New primary legislation. Natural England's advice is that new primary legislation is needed, to enable Natural England to create a "coastal access corridor" and the consultation seeks views on this.
14 June 2007: New report highlights success of National Parks in conserving landscape quality
CNP has welcomed a new report published by Natural England about how the English landscape is changing. Most English National Park landscapes are amongst areas which are being maintained and enhanced according to the report, which identifies where changes to the quality of landscape are occurring and the significance of these changes.
For more information see the press release
22 May 2007: Planning white paper: bad for the environment, bad for communities
CNP and other environmental and social organisations have united to fight damaging government proposals to reform the planning system. The Planning White Paper aims to speed up the planning process for major infrastructure projects like airports, power stations and roads. The proposals would cut local communities out of major planning decisions and spell disaster for valuable habitats and landscapes. The coalition intends to fight these proposals over the coming months.
For more information see the press release
14 May 2007: Leading countryside organisations unite to fight giant South Downs turbine
CNP has formed a coalition with three other leading countryside organisations to oppose the industrial-scale wind turbine proposed by Glyndebourne Productions Ltd in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The coalition believes that the 230 foot turbine would destroy the views of the eastern part of the South Downs.
CNP supports the development of renewable energy but considers that this should be of an appropriate scale and location, especially in an area that is destined for National Park status. There are a number of domestic wind turbines of around 40-50ft in National Parks and AONBs, but this proposal would be unprecedented.
For more information see the press release
27 April 2007: CNP welcomes Backdale public inquiry victory
CNP is delighted with the ruling following a public inquiry that quarrying operations at Backdale Quarry are unlawful. A Planning Inspector ruled that the current ratio of limestone to fluorspar extraction from Backdale Quarry was an unacceptable 91:1 and that this should not exceed a ratio of 2:1. This will mean tighter controls on working at what is probably the most controversial quarry operation in a National Park.
For more information see the Peak District National Park Authority's press release or visit http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/backdale
02 April 2007: Opposition to bypass should cause a rethink, say National Park campaigners
Friends of the Peak District, the Council for National Parks, Save Swallow’s Wood and Alternative Proposals for Transport have reiterated their objection to the proposed Mottram-Tintwistle bypass because of the damage that this would cause to the Peak District National Park, including from increased traffic flows as traffic diverts from the M62 onto the A628 as a result of the bypass. They have called for the public inquiry into the bypass to be cancelled and alternative measures implemented immediately.
For more information see our press release
30 March 2007: Campaigners welcome Broads' in-house planning service
CNP has hailed the Broads Authority’s new in-house planning service as a positive move which will help deliver sustainable development and provide a consistent and accessible planning service across the whole of the Broads.
For more information see our press release
28 March 2007: Community spirit helps protect National Park
CNP has welcomed the decision by members of the Brecon Beacons Park Authority to refuse to safeguard sand and gravel deposits in its development plan. This is a victory for a partnership of local Community Councils and CNP, which had consistently argued against the inclusion of the policy.
For more information see our press release
23 March 2007: Mottram Tintwistle bypass doubles in cost - time for a rethink
A government commissioned report has revealed that the costs of the A628 Mottram to Tintwistle Bypass have more than doubled since the scheme was initially approved. Save Swallow's Wood, Friends of the Peak District, WAIT and the Council for National Parks, said the rising costs were an opportunity for the government to call a halt to the imminent public inquiry and pause for a rethink before more public funds are committed.
For more information see our press release
21 March 2007: Windermere speed limit thumbs up
CNP has given the thumbs up to the decision by members of the Lake District National Park Authority to turn down a request to look at a 'managed solution' for Windermere. This idea had previously been considered at a public inquiry but rejected as it would be too complex to manage.
For more information see our press release
For more information on enjoying Windermere see http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/enjoying/windermere.htm
19 March 2007: New guidance for Welsh National Parks
CNP has welcomed a new Policy Statement for the National Parks in Wales, which was launched today.
The Statement sets out a strategic agenda for the National Park Authorities (NPAs) in taking forward the Welsh Assembly Government’s social inclusion and sustainable development objectives, and provides guidance on how they can help tackle the causes of climate change.
For more information see our press release
01 March 2007: Dartmoor campaign-groups urge National Park Authority to back call for an independent inquiry into military training on Dartmoor
The Dartmoor Preservation Association and the Council for National Parks have called on members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority to back their call for a public inquiry into military training on Dartmoor. The authority will discuss military training on Dartmoor at its meeting on Friday 2 March.
For further information see our press release
28 February 2007: CNP welcomes international boost for UK landscapes
CNP welcomes the European Union’s European Landscape Convention (ELC), which comes into force in the UK on 1st March, 2007. This welcome move means that landscape should get more recognition in day-to-day decision making in the UK. Landscape, be it the one outside our windows or our most celebrated and iconic scenery like National Parks, is something which affects us all, helps give us a local and national identity, and needs special care and protection.
See CCW's press release for further info http://www.ccw.gov.uk/news/index.cfm?action=Press&ID=909&lang=en
19 February 2007: National Park Authorites urged to reject latest plans for Mottram Tintwistle Bypass
Countryside watchdogs Friends of the Peak District (FPD) and the Council for National Parks, and local groups Save Swallows Wood and Alternative Proposals for Transport are calling on the Peak District National Park Authority to stand by its responsibilities as guardian of the National Park and reject the latest road-building plans for the A628.
See press release for further information
7 February 2007: Compensation fears for Backdale 'unfounded' say National Park campaigners
Fears that revoking the quarry permission covering Backdale and Longstone Edge in the Peak District National Park would result in the opening of a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of compensation claims from quarry owners in other National Parks were unfounded, Friends of the Peak District and the Council for National Parks claimed on the eve of the public inquiry into unauthorised limestone quarrying at Backdale.
Please see the press release for further information.
7 February 2007: Gas pipeline to cross Brecon Beacons
CNP has expressed grave concern about the Government's decision to allow a major gas pipeline to cross the Brecon Beacons.
Although CNP welcomes the stringent environmental conditions being placed on National Grid, CNP questions the strategic planning behind this decision. This decision will be an unwelcome 50th birthday present for the Brecon Beacons National Park. Millions of people visit the National Parks to enjoy their natural beauty and seek spiritual refreshment. Allowing major energy-infrastructure projects such as this gas pipeline in National Parks will change their character and undermine their role as jewels in the countryside's crown.
Future UK energy policy should play to the strengths of National Parks and respect their special qualities and not see them as obstacles to be overcome.
Please see the press release for further information.
12 January 2007: Wild but not free
CNP has published new research which assesses the impacts of military training on National Parks. The research calls for an independent inquiry and recommends ways in which the impact on the Parks could be reduced.
Whilst CNP accepts the need for military training, it questions whether all training that happens in National Parks is necessary and whether military intensification in National Parks is acceptable.
For further information read the press release or download the reports
Wild but not free: military training in National Parks
A continuing need? Military training and the Dartmoor National Park
11 December 2006: National Parks are big money-spinners!
New research commissioned by CNP has shown that National Parks bring prosperity for businesses in and around them and for their region as a whole.
A study of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Peak District National Parks showed they had a positive impact on businesses within Yorkshire and Humber. National Park businesses generate £1.8 billion in sales annually, and visitors to the Parks spend £400 million annually within them and £260 million in the rest of Yorkshire and Humber (for the Peak District, figures relate only to the part in Yorkshire and Humber)
For more information read the press release, the summary leaflet or the full report.
27 November 2006
The Broads Bill has been deposited in Parliament. The Bill will help to improve safety, management and navigation in the Broads. The Broads Authority Bill will give the will give the Authority new navigation powers to ensure safety on the Broads as well as powers to license hire boats, apply a national safety scheme and control pollution.
7 November 2006
CNP welcomes the publication of new government guidance on quarrying in England. The government has made it clear that large quarry developments will not be allowed in National Parks, unless there are exceptional reasons such as a national need.
For a list of CNP press releases click here