The countryside of south east England faces exceptional threats. The Inspectors' report into the South East Plan proposes 640,160 homes over the next 20 years. This level of development is environmentally unsustainable: the south east is in danger of drying out through water shortages, of suffering steadily worsening traffic congestion and air pollution, and of being overwhelmed by a rising tide of household waste.

The Examination in Public into the South East Plan ended in March 2007. CPRE called for the environment and countryside to be placed at the heart of planning in the South East, and for there to be a stronger focus on meeting the needs of local communities. The Inspectors report was published on 29 August 2007 and imposes higher housing levels on the South East. The government's response to the recommendations is not expected until later in 2008.

Latest

• 15 April 2008. Briefing on the eco town shortlist.
• 7 April 2008. Briefing on the Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (which abolishes the Regional Assemblies). PDF file.
• 9 May 2008. Family Housing – the Power of Concentration. A new CPRE report shows that the exodus of young families from our cities in search of housing they can afford is putting immense pressure on our countryside and polarising urban England.

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