The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) had targeted car boot sales, motorsport meets and clay pigeon shooting in their bid to clamp down on what they called “uncontrolled activities in the countryside” that were permitted “regardless of local concerns or problems caused”. By default, however, some antiques fairs also became caught up in their net.
Existing planning rules allow “temporary uses” to take place for at least 14 days a year (and up to 28 days in some cases) without the need to consult local communities on likely impacts or even the suitability of a site for the proposed activity. Because of these rules, local people are denied the chance to voice or address concerns about traffic hazards, road congestion, damage to the environment and noise nuisance, argue the CPRE.
The Government were considering the change as part of their Rural White Paper. CPRE campaigner Julie Stainton said: “Some of these events might boost the local economy and are popular with the people who go to them. Fair enough – but let the local council decide, on behalf of the whole community, whether the overall benefit can justify the losses – because we know these can be considerable.”
The CPRE had wanted landowners to obtain planning permission before temporary uses take place but conceded that such a change in planning rules would have had to be phased in gradually, to avoid local councils being swamped with applications.
Fairs escape planning rule changes
ANTIQUES fairs currently allowed to operate without planning permission may continue to do so after the Government announced that there would be no change in the law after all.
