Coalition chair Matthew Taylor MP

An new coalition of organisations covering the social, economic and environmental needs of rural areas is calling for a new vision for rural communities in England.

Six national organisations representing councils, rural businesses, landowners, environmental campaigners, planners and rural communities themselves are launching the Rural Coalition to campaign for reforms to create a strong, confident and sustainable countryside. It includes Action with Communities in Rural England, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Country Land and Business Association, the Local Government Association, the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Town and Country Planning Association.

The coalition prospectus says: "For 50 years or more, policy has undervalued the countryside and failed to meet the needs of rural communities – and therefore of the nation. In hindsight, the result is starkly apparent. Rural communities have slowly but relentlessly become less and less sustainable and less and less self-sufficient.

"On its current course, with no change of policy and no commitment to action, much of the countryside is becoming part dormitory, part theme park and part retirement home. Only if people in rural communities have ready access to local schools, local jobs, local shops and pubs and homes will they and their children thrive, and will the nation meet its environmental and economic needs."

It is chaired by Matthew Taylor MP, author of last year's report to government on rural housing and employment, which was widely supported by coalition members. 

A number of other major national bodies are interested in joining the coalition shortly. It has been advised and supported by the Commission for Rural Communities and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. 

Taylor says: "The coalition has come together in the belief that a more sustainable future for all rural communities is both essential and achievable. It demands a fundamental change of approach at both national and local level. 

"I have been enormously encouraged by the government's positive response to my report, but much more also needs to happen to shape and deliver these more positive messages about planning for sustainable rural communities. 

"The Rural Coalition is seeking a debate setting this new agenda for the countryside to meet the challenges of the 21st century, in order to present a clear, workable policy framework to whoever is in Government after the election. Next year, as the country emerges from the economic downturn, and a newly elected Government comes to office, we will set out in more detail our proposals for policy and practical changes".