Environmental groups unite to protect finest landscapes

29 September 2005

Three leading countryside organisations have joined together to explain why it is essential that the House of Lords gets involved in the Bluestone planning case.  The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (1) and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (2) have joined forces with the Council for National Parks (3), which has taken the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to the high court over its decision to grant planning permission to the controversial Bluestone holiday village in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (4, 5 and 6).  If allowed it may open the floodgates for other similar developments to be proposed within our most cherished landscapes - the National Parks.  It is therefore appropriate for the highest court in the UK to make the final decision (7).

Peter Ogden, Director of CPRW, explained "we have always been concerned about the implications of this development for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the principles which underpin the designation of our most valued landscapes.  We feel strongly that it is in the public interest for the Law Lords to decide whether a crude calculation of jobs provided by one local employer should override the economic, social and environmental value provided by the finest landscapes in Wales".

CPRE Chief Executive Shaun Spiers agreed, adding "CPRE recognises the national implications of this case for the countryside and for the planning system in general.  If left unchallenged there is a serious risk that the protection given to particularly important areas of the countryside such as National Parks would be undermined.  Protected landscapes are only as safe as the laws that protect them and the willingness of Governments to abide by those laws".

In welcoming support from CPRE and CPRW, Ruth Chambers, Policy Director at the Council for National Parks, said "the voices of our national organisations which campaign for the protection of the countryside should be listened to as a clear indicator of the national importance of the Bluestone planning case and why the House of Lords must intervene.   These national concerns have been mirrored by local campaigners in the Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park and Friends of the Earth, as well as by other local people.  This all amounts to a strong case as to why Bluestone should be examined by the House of Lords".

Notes to editors

  1. CPRE exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country.  It promotes positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside to ensure change values its natural and built environment.
  2. CPRW was established in 1928 conserve and enhance the landscape and quality of life in the communities of rural Wales and influence change in these areas for the better, whilst promoting the unique culture and distinctiveness of life in rural Wale.  CPRW also informs, advises and influence the public and decision makers of the importance of the landscape as a living resources and dynamic assets.
  3. CNP is the national charity which works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
  4. The part of the Bluestone development in the Pembrokeshire Coast comprises 340 timber lodges, a brand new "village", sports club and sewage-treatment works.
  5. The Park Authority's development control committee approved the outline planning application on 28 January 2004.
  6. On 17 December 2004 the High Court judge Mr Justice Jack held that the decision to grant permission for the Bluestone development was lawful.  The Court of Appeal dismissed CNP's appeal against the High Court's judgment on 20 July 2005.
  7. CNP has petitioned the House of Lords to hear the Bluestone case.  Its decision is awaited.

 

Contact                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Council for National Parks: Ruth Chambers, Deputy Chief Executive 020 7924 4077 ext 222

CPRE: Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Affairs 020 7981 2838, Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive 02079812800, Nicola Frank, Press Office 020 7981 2800 

CPRW: Peter Ogden, Director, 01938 552525, Sioned Humphreys, Deputy Director, 01938 552525


For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222