White Papers last chance to save precious landscapes

White Papers last chance to save precious landscapes 25/05/2007

The government risks destroying some of our most precious countryside and the benefits to be gained from walking there if it does not make the right choices in two major policy announcements this week, says the Ramblers' Association (RA) today.

The government risks destroying some of our most precious countryside and the benefits to be gained from walking there if it does not make the right choices in two major policy announcements this week, says the Ramblers' Association (RA).

A White Paper on Planning is expected today (Monday May 21st) followed by the White Paper on Energy on Wednesday (May 23rd).

The Planning White Paper will outline how the government intends to develop new 'major infrastructure projects' including roads, airports and power stations. The much-delayed Energy White Paper is expected to build on this by outlining what types of power stations will get priority in the drive to reduce carbon emissions and secure future energy supply.

In the rush to meet these goals, strongly encouraged by vested business interests, the government could put at risk its wider goals for a truly sustainable approach to lifestyles, the economy and the environment. The RA is part of a wider coalition which has come together to resist damaging reforms to the planning system.

Patrick Grady, Countryside Campaigner for the Ramblers' Association, said: "New roads and airports destroy the countryside, increase noise and air pollution, and encourage unsustainable tourism and travel. The government's energy policy already over-emphasises and over-subsidises giant onshore wind turbines at the expense of other forms of renewable energy. All these lead to scars on the landscape, noise and congestion, which reduce the attractiveness of walking, the most sustainable form of recreation, exercise and travel."

He added: "If the government is serious about tackling climate change it must put a halt to new roads and airports, and diversify funding towards off-shore wind, wave and tidal power."

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/media/media.html