Call to protect 'threatened' countryside

Monday, 23 June 2003 12:00 AM

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has called on the public to defend the English countryside from being destroyed by development.

It is using the publication of its report Lie of the Land{2) to begin a campaign to save the 'richly distinctive character of our local landscapes'. The report argues that the richness of diversity is being 'homogenised before our eyes'. Unique high streets are being increasingly dominated by takeaway outlets and chain stores and local materials are rarely used for house building.

'All it takes for blandness to triumph is to let events take their course', head of rural policy at CPRE Tom Oliver explained. He added that miserably designed housing, futile attempts to build our way out of traffic congestion and inadequate attempts to give farming a purpose were all adding to the problem.

A recent survey by the group exposed how small market towns are losing their distinctiveness. CPRE is planning a major survey of dozens of such towns across England, in order to learn more about how and why diversity and character can be retained whilst accommodating necessary change.

It argues that the solution is to 'get a grip on what makes a sense of place', whether it is the pattern of woods and fields, local building materials or designs, local foods, markets or traditions. The group suggests these characteristics can be accurately described and then informed judgements can be made in deciding future change.

The group is launching its campaign this week which includes CPRE branches around England holding a variety of events - including rambles, food and drink tastings, photography competitions, picnics and barbecues - to celebrate England's varied and beautiful landscapes and recruit new members.

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