CPRE welcomes the announcement that the coalition Government has heeded its call to take another look at the draft Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs). CPRE gave evidence to the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee which focused on the need to redraft the Energy NPSs to ensure sustainable development in the countryside.

In a statement today, Charles Hendry, the Energy Minister, said: "We have decided to take a further look at the Appraisal of Sustainability of our draft Energy Policy Statements to make sure that they are fit for purpose. Taking this decision now is essential to safeguard our long-term goal of a sustainable and secure energy supply."

Dustin Benton, Senior Policy Officer at CPRE, says: “This is a very welcome step as the draft Energy National Policy Statements pose significant risks to the countryside. They presume an unlimited demand for energy that would create a dangerous presumption in favour of new power plants regardless of environmental consequences. They also ignored the balance between national need and local impact by unduly restricting consideration of alternatives.

“We are pleased at the Government’s willingness to listen to the public and hope that its commitment to localism will be reflected by a better balance between our need for low carbon power and strong local desire to protect the beauty, tranquillity and character of the countryside.” 

Ends

Notes to Editors
• CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

• The Written Ministerial Statement issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change today, is quoted in full below

Consultation for draft Energy National Policy Statements - Written statement by Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for Energy

Today I am announcing that the Government will be launching a re-consultation in the autumn on the draft energy National Policy Statements following the consultation undertaken by the previous administration earlier this year, and in particular due to changes which have been made to the Appraisal of Sustainability for the Overarching Energy National Policy Statement.

The revised statements will give investors the certainty they need to bring forward proposals to maintain security of supply and ensure progress towards decarbonisation and plans for the first new nuclear power station to begin generating electricity by 2018 remain on course.

We intend to present the finalised statements to Parliament for ratification next Spring. A detailed implementation plan for planning reform on major infrastructure - including transitional arrangements and a revised  timetable - will be published later in the summer.