CPRE Wiltshire responds to Levelling Up Bill

CPRE Wiltshire broadly welcomes the proposed Levelling Up Bill, with caveats

CPRE Wiltshire chair Anne Henshaw has broadly welcomed the government’s proposed Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, announced in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday 10 May, but has warned that the government must strike a delicate balancing act between reacting to short-term emergencies such as rising prices and longer-term goals such as protecting the environment.

“Safeguarding the environment for food security, free leisure (including cycling, walking, riding and camping in clean air) should be the long-term goal, with the right homes built in the right places. That will entail building homes where travel costs are lower and there are low to no environmental impacts,” said Anne, adding: “There’s just a hint contained within the Bill which could lead to a lessening of the local voice when it comes to local communities having their views heard and accepted.”