Charity Challenges Government Over Rural Housing Approval

A charitable organization is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against a government ruling that permits a housing development within a section of the Kent countryside. This action specifically targets the approval of planning permission for 165 residences at Turnden, situated near Cranbrook. Andrea Griffiths, director of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Kent, stated that this decision occurs amidst broader planning policy alterations that are expected to “drastically weaken the protection of our countryside”. A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government indicated that the decision was made in accordance with the recommendation from the independent Planning Inspectorate. The new Labour administration granted approval for the proposal in November, following a successful High Court challenge, despite the fact that the development had previously been rejected by the Conservatives. The countryside charity has commenced legal action by issuing a pre-action protocol letter, serving as an initial step to contest the decision. This ruling was made by housing minister Matthew Pennycook on behalf of housing secretary Angela Rayner. “As a countryside charity, CPRE Kent will not roll over without a fight and allow our most treasured landscapes to be wrecked on the altar of political dogma or expediency,” Ms Griffiths stated. She added, “The approval for the proposed scheme appears designed to send a message to developers that anywhere in our countryside is up for grabs, whatever level of protection a site might have.” Ms Griffiths further commented, “We believe that the case is of wider significance for the standard of statutory protection that such landscapes enjoy.” CPRE Kent reported that Michael Gove, the former secretary of state, had agreed with their argument that the scheme did not meet the strict planning policy tests required to justify development in the High Weald National Landscape — previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Berkeley Homes successfully contested Gove’s decision in court, which led to the annulment of that decision and ultimately the subsequent approval by Pennycook.