Three of the major areas for concern in Somerset are Quarrying, Transport and Protection of Landscape, all of which need to be treated with sensitivity and a view to sustainability.

Quarrying for building materials has long been a major industry in the county. CPRE is concerned about the modern methods which so often lead to empty shells where once hills existed. Development of quarrying must take into account the after use of these sites in addition to the control of planning applications to continue operations.

This has become a national problem and Somerset CPRE is investigating a programme of alternatives to the traditional solution of further road building. Concentration on rail and public transport must be a priority for this government and the local authorities.

Whilst some by-pass projects on existing roads may be welcome to protect villages, the danger is that the developers then use the greenfield site in between the village and the by-pass, which then creates further problems. There is also clear evidence that the new roads create new traffic, so that the short term solution becomes in itself a longer term problem.

We place the highest priority on this part of our work, as we believe that every erosion, no matter how small, is an irreparable step.

The role of Somerset CPRE is to act as a watchdog to the County and District Councils.

We will support their plans when we believe them to be right and fair, but we will become the proverbial thorn in the flesh when they act in a way which damages the countryside and character, and thence the long term viability of our beautiful county.