Traffic choking rural life (From Gazette Series)

Traffic choking rural life

A SURVEY of England's market towns, including Wotton-under-Edge, has highlighted many negative points.

Carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the 'health check' survey found many towns to be threatened by bland and uniform new development with nothing local about it, leaving them with serious traffic congestion and services stretched to the limit.

Others were in danger of becoming dormitories, with new housing development merely increasing the number commuting to work outside these settlements.

Some have been hit hard by major retail and superstore developments out-of-town, or in big neighbouring towns, which have sucked the life from their high streets.

Tom Oliver, CPRE's head of rural policy, said: "Towns are also suffering badly from development which damages their individual character, is insensitively sited, or which threatens local businesses.

"Traffic and congestion within towns is rising and the car increasingly dominates travel patterns often to the detriment of pedestrians.

"Local employment is suffering and local businesses are often undermined by the increasing presence of large national retailers."

A comment about Wotton-under-Edge, included in the report's summary, focuses on new development.

It notes: "Over the period since the 1950s there has been a lot of housing development in Wotton. If there should be any more of significance, the old town will lose its identity. As it is, the latest development of the edge of the town causes people to resort to the car to reach the shops."

The Campaign to Protect Rural England argues this erosion of character and attractiveness matters - and not just to the millions of people who live and work in these small towns.

It maintains England's distinctive market towns, part of the lifeblood of the English countryside, help attract visitors from home and overseas and contribute to rural prosperity.

The survey's findings also offer hope - they show if local people and local authorities act wisely, they can maintain their town's distinctiveness and attractiveness, which in turn, enhances prosperity.

CPRE believes successful retention and development of a market town's character and distinctiveness will only be achieved through deliberate policy choices, and taking a long term view.

It says local planning policies must recognise there are limits to the degree of development each market town can support.

Head of planning at Stroud District Council Barry Wyatt said: "The Campaign to Protect Rural England is well enshrined in the planning process and has had influence over the years. Its surveys and reports can be a material influence in deciding planning policies."

John Forster, who completed the CPRE survey for Wotton-under-Edge, said: "I think this survey is worthwhile, not least because it didn't use costly consultants but relied on people on the ground.

"The local economy and traffic are the most important issues in Wotton. We need to support our local businesses and limit the use of cars

"Some people drive their children to Katharine Lady Berkeley's School. Walking to school is surely healthy for our young people, and good for friendships.

"And walking to the shops can be a really sociable time. Meeting people in Long Street and High Street helps maintain our sense of community spirit."