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.

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The CLA 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.”

More information about the Government’s National Park review can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-parks-review-launched