CPRE publishes a Manifesto for Berkshire’s Countryside

In the run-up to the local elections in May 2023, CPRE Berkshire has published a Manifesto for Berkshire’s Countryside which we hope will focus candidates’ attention on the major issues for the countryside.

Stopping the ‘industrialisation’ of the countryside, encouraging regeneration of urban ‘brownfield’ sites, and cleaning up the county’s rivers and waterways are the three top priorities set out by the Berkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

CPRE has published its 2023 “Manifesto for Berkshire’s countryside” with a series of policies to protect and enhance the green spaces, landscapes, villages and historic towns of the Royal County. The countryside charity is calling on all political parties and candidates in the local elections on May 4 to declare their support for this manifesto.

CPRE Berkshire’s number one priority is to “halt the industrialisation of our hillsides and rural landscapes, in particular the construction of energy schemes that disfigure the countryside, are hazardous to wildlife and pose health risks to local communities; and by promoting roof-top renewable energy as a greener alternative wherever practicable.”

Greg Wilkinson, Chairman of CPRE Berkshire, says: “We have published this Manifesto in order to help shape the debate in the run-up to the local council elections in May and to guide the candidates of all the political parties towards protection of our precious and vulnerable countryside and green spaces. That is why we have highlighted the menace of solar and wind energy schemes that scar our countryside and are environmentally destructive.”

He adds: “We are all for renewable energy but not the sort of schemes that industrialise our rural landscapes and do more harm than good. CPRE Berkshire believes there are sensible, sustainable alternatives to so-called solar farms and windfarms. Far better to put solar panels on roofs. Unlike putting massive wind turbines on our hills, or smothering acres of farmland with solar panelling, rooftop schemes can be implemented on a large scale without affecting the appearance or tranquillity of the countryside.”

CPRE’s Manifesto covers a wide range of environmental concerns, calling on election candidates of all parties to “acknowledge that the heritage of the Royal County of Berkshire is entrusted to us, and so  endeavour to protect all our precious countryside and open spaces, including the Green Belt and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so that it remains attractive and tranquil while preserving the integrity and character of our historic towns and villages.”

Candidates are invited to endorse the CPRE Berkshire Manifesto and to commit to:

·       Halt the industrialisation of our hillsides and rural landscapes, in particular the construction of energy schemes that disfigure the countryside, are hazardous to wildlife and pose health risks to local communities; and by promoting roof-top renewable energy as a greener alternative wherever practicable.

·       Aim for a cleaner environment in our Royal County by working in partnership with the water companies to stop the release of sewage into our rivers and streams, and by striving to eliminate littering and fly-tipping in our countryside.

·       Maintain a strict ‘Brownfield First’ policy that focuses on regenerating previously developed land and encouraging sustainable high-density developments on brownfield urban sites.

·       Meet genuine local housing needs in our towns and villages through the provision of well-designed, appropriately-sized, high-quality homes that local people can afford – including social housing for rent.

·       Reduce traffic congestion by promoting sustainable transport, cycling and walking, and in particular by boosting investment in local bus services to end rural isolation and improve access to medical, leisure and retail facilities.

·       Promote nature conservation, wildlife protection and biodiversity through policies that encourage sustainable farming and land-use, protect and promote hedgerows and ancient woodland, and fully recognise the crucial importance of the natural environment to our entire way of life.

·       Enable people of all ages and abilities to stay healthy and enjoy our environment by reconnecting with nature in safe, accessible, local countryside, with well-maintained walking and cycling routes in every Berkshire district.

For further information on CPRE Berkshire’s campaigns, visit the group’s website: www.cpreberkshire.org.uk or follow the group on social media.