Growth plans in Oxfordshire are "nothing but a rehash of old policies”, says environmental charity
It follows the Chancellor announcing the potential ‘Silicone Valley of Europe’
An environmental charity says the Chancellors plans for growth in Oxfordshire are "nothing but a rehash of old policies”, following Rachel Reeves speech in Eynsham.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) are welcoming the decision to build more affordable homes but are urging the government for it not to be at the expense of the countryside.
‘Not at the expense of the countryside’
CPRE want new infrastructure to be built brownfield sites, whilst Rachel Reeves has said she would look to reform green belt rules.
Director of CPRE Oxfordshire, Lisa Warne said: “If we are going to see more growth, we're going to see more houses, we're going to see more offices, we're going to see more of the associated infrastructure and that is going to put a lot of pressure on our county.
“We don't want this growth to be at the expense of the countryside.
“Let's not forget why a lot of people come to Oxfordshire; it's because of the beautiful countryside that we have on our doorstep.”
She added: "A lot of the policy around growth, in particular that Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, is old policies that are being rehashed. This has been around for years. It's nothing new.
“If we are going to see more growth and development in our county, then we really urge the government to think about focusing their sites on brownfield areas.”
“People can build on the grey belt”
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, following her growth announcement, Rachel Reeves says she will look to reform green belt policies into the ‘grey belt’.
The Chancellor said: “The Government have set out reforms to the green belt so that people can build on the grey belt of areas on the outskirts of cities.
“We’ve also bought in proposals to build around commuter train stations so that we can connect people with the jobs that are available.”
Ms Warne says, “if the government continues to bulldoze it its way through policy making, those voices are only going to get louder from our local communities.
“What we should be thinking about is how we can bring people together into the decision-making process, so that people have their voices heard rather than be feel ignored.”