News
This section includes our current press releases and our newsletters and annual reviews.
Neighbourhood Plans in the spotlight - how effective are they?
Written by Lucy Blyth
11 June 2018
The Government sees Neighbourhood Plans as a way forward for rural communities to have a greater influence in securing the right development for their area. Over 500 plans have now been completed in England and passed at a local referendum. But are they effective in preventing inappropriate development and in encouraging the kind of development sought by rural communities?
This was the topic of a workshop event on 6thJune jointly hosted by CPRE Gloucestershire, the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council and the Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils.
Baroness Young on Affordable Housing – More for rent and not all for the young
Written by Lucy Blyth
11 June 2018
Baroness Young of Old Scone, guest speaker at the recent AGM of the Gloucestershire Branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), spoke out about the urgent need for rentable rural housing. Baroness Young said, “Many young people are not able to buy houses at all. We need to provide a renting option all over the County.” Baroness Young, who is Chair of the Woodland Trust, also highlighted the need to provide affordable housing for the older generations too. “Older people, who have lived their whole lives in rural towns and villages, are also being squeezed out. Many have built up life-long friendships and support in their local community but cannot afford to stay. It all comes back to ensuring the right housing in the right places”.
New Government Review – is the time now right for a Forest of Dean AONB and Cotswolds National Park?
Written by Lucy Blyth
30 May 2018
CPRE Gloucestershire welcomes the Government’s announcement for a Review of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). “We welcome this opportunity to improve, and expand, the network of our protected landscapes, particularly here in Gloucestershire. We have been campaigning for many years for the Forest of Dean to become an AONB. We have also recently been discussing with the Cotswolds Conservation Board the potential benefits which could come from the creation of a National Park for the Cotswolds,“ comments Professor Patricia Broadfoot, Chair of CPRE Gloucestershire.
Neighbourhood Plan Workshop - Last Chance to Book!
Written by Lucy Blyth
17 May 2018
As a result of previous successful workshops, CPRE Gloucestershire is co-hosting another Neighbourhood Plan Workshop on 6thJune at Gambier Parry Rooms, Highnam Community Centre. The workshop will run with two sessions. The first session will focus on the questions many of us are asking about Neighbourhood Plans. These are: “Are ‘made’ Neighbourhood Plans making a difference: are they being used and influencing development management decisions and appeal outcomes? Are they influencing local plan work?” Jeff Bishop who is leading the work from Place Studio will present initial findings of research.
We are looking for a motivated, part-time Branch Co-ordinator to join our team at CPRE Gloucestershire
Written by Lucy Blyth
27 March 2018
This is a critically important role that brings together all aspects of the work that CPRE Gloucestershire does. It provides an excellent, part-time opportunity to work with an enthusiastic charity team, dedicated to the protection of the rural environment in Gloucestershire. The post holder will need good communication skills and to be able to work under their own initiative.
Is lack of funding dashing hopes of AONB and National Park designations?
Written by Lucy Blyth
26 March 2018
CPRE Gloucestershire welcomes a new report looking at the future of our natural environment and needs of rural communities. This report, ‘The countryside at a crossroads: Is the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 still fit for purpose?' from the House of Lords Select Committee, makes a series of recommendations to ensure that the objectives of this legislation are met, including the role of Government Departments and agencies.
