Spotlight on our Planning volunteers

Here at CPRE Cheshire, our Planning volunteers are central to our success. So what exactly do they do and why are they so important?

From the start, CPRE has had a core mission to protect valued open land whilst encouraging development that genuinely meets communities’ needs in terms of location, nature and quality. Today, we’re even more aware of the fragility of the countryside. Biodiversity and the climate emergency have become key considerations, alongside making sure people have access to nature and open spaces, clean air, and healthy food.

This means that when it comes to assessing and commenting on planning applications, there’s a lot to think about – and a lot to do! And that’s where our planning volunteers come in. From investigating local applications to contributing to national consultations, our volunteers make it possible for us to have a positive impact both on development plans in the Cheshire countryside and on wider planning policy.

The planning team’s work includes:

• Preparing and submitting responses to influence the outcome of planning applications and appeals
• Seeking to influence Local and Neighbourhood Plans
• Visiting local planning offices and proposed development sites to look at plans and record details
• Liaising with different levels of local government
• Building relationships with local environmental organisations
• Liaising with the planning team and policy committee at national CPRE to contribute to consultations and policy development

For a quick guide to CPRE’s approach to planning, see Planning: the toolbox for a thriving countryside – CPRE

With hundreds of planning applications submitted every month across the region, we’re always looking for new volunteers – particularly people with previous experience in the planning sector or knowledge of the planning system. To find out more, see our current volunteer vacancies. We can also arrange for you to have an informal chat with a current volunteer to discuss what’s involved – contact us at info@cprecheshire.org.uk