Protecting Rural Warwickshire - How We Do It -

This page explains in more detail what CPREWarwickshire does to try to protect rural Warwickshire ...

We try to achieve our objectives in many different ways-

• We support national campaigns by publicising local examples of the issues. A campaign initiated by National Office about noise "pollution" was supported by a local press release giving examples including flying of model aircraft. This was picked up in a local radio programme.
  
  
• We issue press releases to newspapers, radio and television about our concerns. These range from individual planning applications to national government proposals to change the planning system.
  
  
• We set up our stall at shows and fetes throughout the area to get over our messages as well as to recruit new members.
  
  
• We make representations to national, regional and local organisations which are setting and reviewing planning policies. This is particularly important when local and regional planning guidelines are being reviewed. There are often a number of stages of public consultation and it is essential to be involved at every stage so that surprise do not slip through the net.
  
  
• We seek to influence land use planning, transport, agricultural and environmental policies. It is important to be aware that policies in all these areas can affect the countryside.

• We receive details of all planning applications in the area and make representations and objections when we believe policies are being breached. This task requires a wide knowledge of policies at three or four different levels of documentation. The Branch provides access to expert advice when required.

• We appear at planning appeals hearings and inquiries to press the views of the Branch. This is also supported, when necessary, by expert advice.

• We help to organise public meetings to try to maximise support for the views of the Branch. An example of this was the recent campaign against proposals for motorway service areas on the M42 in the Green Belt.

• We are able to employ a part-time staff to deal with administration and aspects of our work. But we recognise that much of our work would be impossible without volunteers.

• We have an office in Warwick where we plan our work and are able to hold meetings.

• We have many volunteers who help to do all these things and their work is coordinated in a number of special interest groups....