CPRE Somerset Branch is a registered charity no. 1100860. A company limited by guarantee reg. No. 04755482
All content © CPRE unless otherwise stated.
Current Situation
The area of the earth's surface suitable for food production is declining, due to climate change (eg spectacular changes in rainfall patterns) and misuse of land (eg soil erosion and desertification). The landscape of Somerset that we treasure has been created by centuries of farming but it is threatened by inappropriate government interventions and subsidies, the powerful agro-chemicals industry and cheap oil to date. Modern agriculture is heavily dependent on finite fossil fuels, especially oil, for both driving machinery and producing agri-chemicals (fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides). Many commentators agree that "peak oil" has now arrived; that is the time when oil extraction irretrievably declines in relation to demand, with the inevitable consequential upward trend in prices of all oil based or oil dependent products and services.
Population, globally and nationally, is growing. In the United Kingdom population is forecast by the Office of National Statistics to grow by about 10 million to 70 million by the year 2030. Roughly speaking one third of this growth would be "natural" (births exceeding deaths) and the rest because of net inward migration (more people coming in than going out). Such a prediction might well be wrong, either way, but is nonetheless the basis of predicted housing needs for which planning authorities must make provision.
The cost of imported food is likely to increase faster than locally grown food because of higher transport costs. The need for a transition to a farming system less dependent on oil (that is towards organic farming) seems self evident as is a need for increasing localisation of food production.
Our Position
In these circumstances CPRE believes that all planning authorities should adopt a presumption against any development on agricultural land and a prohibition of development on land classified as Best and Most Versatile (land graded 1, 2 or 3a). Currently, all of the land identified for urban extension around Taunton is Grade I land – a grave cause for concern.
If you know of a planned development on Best and Most Versatile Land (Grades 1, 2 or 3a) then please join the fight to protect this land. CPRE Somerset can offer help and support - just get in touch.
Click below to see maps (provided courtesy of Natural England) of the Agricultural Land Classification around our major towns:
For other areas, visit the Interactive Map on Defra’s MAGIC website.
Food Security & Loss of Agricultural Land
Branch Position Statement
