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CPRE Urges Stronger Protections for England's Countryside

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) calls for stronger countryside protections in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.
CPRE wants housing prioritised on brownfield sites, safeguarding the Green Belt, and scrapping the 'grey belt' policy, with affordable housing tied to local incomes.
It warns that without a coherent national land-use plan England could face fragmented development and countryside loss, urging integration of housing, energy, and environmental goals.

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Story summary

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) calls for stronger countryside protections in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.
CPRE wants housing prioritised on brownfield sites, safeguarding the Green Belt, and scrapping the 'grey belt' policy, with affordable housing tied to local incomes.
It warns that without a coherent national land-use plan England could face fragmented development and countryside loss, urging integration of housing, energy, and environmental goals.