Farming Regulation: Cut red tape but not at the expense of the environment
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) today (Tuesday) warns that proposals to reform farming regulations need to be carefully considered by the Government before any changes are made to ensure they don’t end up damaging our countryside.
The Farming Regulation Task Force report [1] launched today makes 215 recommendations for changing or abolishing regulations that affect the farming and food industries.
While many environmental regulations such as those that protect hedgerows have emerged unscathed from the review, other proposals to change planning legislation risk damaging the character of our landscapes.
CPRE welcomes some of the proposed changes such as finding a way to bring polytunnels into the planning system. But the potential effects of other proposals on establishing village greens and allowing other agricultural developments, including allowing permanent buildings for seasonal workers [2] without proper planning controls are ill considered.
Ian Woodhurst, CPREs Senior Farming Campaigner, says: We all agree that unnecessary paperwork does nothing for farmers or the environment. We are pleased that the Task Force has given a lot of thought to changing the processes for administering regulation to reduce the burden on farmers. But we’re concerned about the cumulative effect of all the proposed changes to planning legislation on the character of our landscapes.
Farmers need to be trusted to do the right thing for the environment but safeguards are vital. We need a strong planning system that can continue to protect the countryside from damaging proposals.
[1] In June 2010, as part of the Coalition Governments Growth Agenda, James Paice, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, established the Farming Regulation Task Force. Its terms of reference were: In support of a more competitive farming and food-processing industry that contributes to the economic recovery, to identify ways to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers and food processors through a review of relevant regulations and their implementation, and advise on how best to achieve a risk-based system of regulation in future whilst maintaining high environmental, welfare and safety standards. The Task Force members are: Richard Macdonald, Chair; Judith Donovan; William Goodwin; John Healey; Heather Jenkins; Richard Percy; Marion Regan; Andy Robertson; Stephen Tapper
[2] Striking a balance: reducing burdens; increasing responsibility; earning recognition Report of the independent Farming Regulation Task Force. Chapter 4: the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraphs 4.10?12); permitted development and prior notification (paragraphs 4.13?18); polytunnels (paragraph 4.19?23); village greens and rights-of-way (paragraphs 4.28?39); seasonal workers accommodation (paragraphs 4.40?42).
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) fights for a better future for the English countryside. We work locally and nationally to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy. Our 57,000 members are united in their love for Englands landscapes and rural communities, and stand up for the countryside, so it can continue to sustain, enchant and inspire future generations. Founded in 1926, President: Bill Bryson, Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk