Much of what is defined as “rural development” fails to meet country people’s needs, according to a report prepared for the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
The report urges the creation of a policy that considers the environmental, social and economic impact of development.
It says the rural economy has been successful but changes have become “unsustainable” as the growth of housing, roads and traffic “change the character and environment of rural England”.
It calls for “visions” for country areas to be devised as well as strategies for sustainable development to be prepared by a range of partners, including communities themselves.
Financial Times 15/07/98 page 15
