CLA welcome planning overhaul in Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill

AFTER announcing the new legislation on Tuesday, the CLA calls on the Government to include key measures in the new legislative agenda in order to close the rural productivity gap.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) welcome the new planning measures outlined in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill after its announcement in Tuesday's Queen's Speech.

During the development of this legislation, we are calling on the Government to include the clear steps set out in the new cross party parliamentary report on levelling up the rural economy in order to benefit rural communities across England.

The proposals to overhaul the:- '1 size fits all' planning system, which has disadvantaged rural areas, especially villages, with new design codes to let local communities set rules about the layout of new developments is potentially an encouraging step forward.

The aim of getting as close as possible to the target of building 300,000 new homes a year is also a crucial part of solving the rural productivity gap. The more affordable houses there are in rural areas, the more likely that people can afford to live where they work, which keeps money within the local community.

It will be important for these projects to be delivered in all types of settlements, including:- organic and incremental growth of small rural villages and hamlets; not just focussing on urban expansion programmes.

CLA President, Mark Tufnell, said:- "We strongly emphasise how urgently the proposed measures to simplify local plans and digitalisation of the planning system are required as far as economies in rural areas are concerned. These must be delivered in all types of settlements, including organic and incremental growth of small rural villages and hamlets. Rural businesses, and the CLA's objective to increase rural productivity, are negatively impacted by a planning system that is not fit for purpose, with many local plans perpetually out-of-date, coupled with staffing issues in planning authorities across the country. We are calling for a strong and consistent planning system that is fit for purpose as soon as possible, otherwise, efforts to close the productivity gap between rural and urban businesses will never be achieved. If these issues are not addressed, we face the long term sustainability of rural businesses and communities, their need for jobs, homes and access to services being left out of the levelling up agenda and ultimately failing."

Snap up a celebrity item at your local BHF charity shop!

CELEBRITIES are taking on the British Heart Foundation (BHF)'s Reuse Revolution challenge, donating preloved items to the charity this May. Items have been left in BHF charity shops across the country, where lucky shoppers can snap them up for bargain prices.

Fashion model Olivia Arben, TV presenter Gemma Atkinson, DJ Gilles Peterson and Dr Hazel Wallace donated preloved pieces, which could all soon be hanging in the wardrobes of shoppers across the nation.

Dame Helen Mirren and former Vogue Editor In Chief Alexandra Shulman have also given items to the charity, some of which are listed on the charity's eBay store.

The BHF is encouraging savvy shoppers to visit their local BHF shop to hunt down preloved items from the celebrity donors, including a signed copy of Gemma Atkinson's book, a signed book and records from DJ Gilles Peterson, Olivia Arben's hat and clothes, shoes and books from The Food Medic, Dr Hazel Wallace.

The BHF's Reuse Revolution hopes to raise awareness of the incredible benefits of shopping and donating via its 700 nationwide shops and online eBay and Depop stores - preventing good quality items from going to landfill and saving money while also funding its vital heart research.

As temperatures start to rise, the BHF's charity shops are a great place to donate preloved summer looks and pick up new items to refresh your wardrobe.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the BHF, said:- "What an incredible way to kickstart our Reuse Revolution with the support of so many celebrities donating their pre-loved items. Our savvy shoppers can support the revolution by shopping online via our eBay shop, bidding on some fabulous shoes from Helen Mirren, or searching for a bargain in their local BHF shops. You might just find a signed record or book from 1 of these famous names. Every item sold in our shops goes towards helping fund vital scientific breakthroughs that will help the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases."

Keen lovers of all things preloved can also enter a competition to be in with a chance of winning 4 stylish second hand pieces from the campaign photo shoot; a bronze, double headed table lamp, an industrial style wooden trolley, a leather handled round mirror and an art deco orange chair with wooden legs. The competition will be available to enter via the Reuse Revolution website from May 1st.

In a year, the BHF saves around 71,000 tonnes of goods going to waste and through the reuse and recycling of donated items, helps prevent 135,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere.