Rural counties under threat by urban sprawl

HOUSE building is an issue that raises passions and I am passionate about it. What is it about the South West peninsula that makes it so special, its unique qualities, a

Mecca for visitors? Certainly not an unending townscape...

The very essence of rural Devon and Cornwall is under threat from urban development. There are many factors that need to be debated and resolved.

In the past, much damage was done to coastal areas as a result of poor planning decisions and I now have the impression we are at a tipping point.

Much of the new build ‘affordable’ housing is bought by middle-income people from elsewhere for second homes.

It is alleged that prospective house building is pre-emptively purchased by city councils from far afield in order to solve their own housing problems. Especially in Cornwall, one is often distracted by a skyline of wind farms.

Of course, a vibrant economy is probably in the interests of everyone.

I have the impression that many think the peninsula will be ‘improved’ by attracting more commerce and manufacturing.

It is recognised that the area has important mineral deposits that may be a key to a sustainable future and this will need sensitive handling.

I believe that in areas of outstanding beauty the emphasis must always be to cherish and preserve those qualities that can be enjoyed by everyone.

This means very careful oversight of any planned concrete development, strong support for the rural and fishing economies and better ways of generating and conserving electrical energy.

I always remember a quote from my mother, brought up in poverty in the East End of London but passionate about the countryside and with my father moved their young family down to Devon... “Though every prospect pleases, and only man is vile” – Reginald Heber.

John Gibson Wembury, Devon