National Parks can fuel rural economic growth, says CLA

CLA Deputy President Tim Breitmeyer

Rural landowners have urged the Government to put boosting economic growth and productivity in designated landscapes like National Parks at the centre of a review that was announced on 27 May.

The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has reacted to the Government announcement to a review of designated landscapes as part of the 25-Year Environment Plan.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said: “Designated landscapes are crucial to the wellbeing of the nation, providing opportunities not only for visitors but most especially for those who live and work there. We look forward to contributing to the review.

“The crucial challenge is to strike the right balance between ensuring designation that delivers natural beauty, alongside encouraging the right types of economic activity. Together, this more positive balance will sustain these areas and create thriving communities.

“Most businesses within designated landscapes experience significant opposition and hostility to development of any kind. Success in this review will see more landowners, users, park authorities and conservation boards coming together to identify opportunities which deliver the right types of sensitive development to improve the use and enjoyment of these unique areas.” 

CLA Director of External Affairs Shane Brennan said: “The experience of landowners in national parks often is that it’s all about stopping development, preserving things in aspic. But we need to build some houses and have other activity. Our concern is that some national parks don’t have any plan for economic development. They only have plans for preservation of the environment."