Are you preparing a comment for your local plan?  Don't forget to check the local authorities policies for light pollution and the protection of night skies.

A poll shows that the public is behind the carrier bag charge as bag usage drops dramatically in England!  Those of you who organise clear up campaigns in your local area may already have noticed!

We have noticed an increase in large scale anaerobic digester proposals across the county.

We are receiving comments from residents of Hutton Rugby threatened by development and the local plan proposals.

City of York Local Plan      Preferred Sites Consultation

The data in the revised draft local plan does indicate that the planners have recognised some of  the concerns expressed during the discussions on the previous aborted plan. The undertaking  to focus development on brownfield land and protect the Green Belt would appear to be honoured. Nevertheless the plan forecasts a need to allocate land and build nearly 17,000 additional houses over the Plan period.

The CPRE York & Sely District response to the preferred sites consultation is attached

The Branch voted yesterday to award Mrs Shirley Thubron an Honorary Membership.

Focus on District volunteers!

In the Craven District authority at the moment, there is an appeal running concurrently with an application to develop land in Hellifield.

CPRE North Yorkshire believes that farming, tourism and the quality of our North Yorkshire countryside are inextricably linked.

Shaun Spiers, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), said:

“We have endured a long and divisive referendum campaign, but throughout leading players on both sides emphasised their commitment to the countryside and to strong environmental protection. The country has now made the momentous decision to leave the European Union, but there is no mandate for environmental regulation. Rather, if this really is Independence Day, we should expect to see a much greater emphasis on restoring nature, safeguarding our precious landscapes and supporting farmers to care for their land.

“The last point is crucial. For good or ill, the CAP has shaped land management for over 40 years. We now have the chance to develop a national agricultural support system that truly benefits farmers, the environment and rural communities.”