woke up this morning to more debate on the proposed National Planning Policy Framework and have just read the article in todays FT by Eric Pickles and George Osborne. It is concerning that they offer reassurances about natural landscapes, but make no mention of heritage protection issues. What they say is “The idea that presumption in favour [of sustainable development] means that growth will be able to take place wherever, whenever and however is false. Protections for the green belt, for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty continue. The framework insists on high environmental standards and good design. Poorly-designed and poorly-located development is in no-one’s interest.”

C20 will be contributing to comments on the proposals as part of Hertiage Alliance and The Joint Committee of National Amenity Societies, and may make individual representations too,