THE Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hampshire has received a further boost to its campaign for a South Hampshire Green Belt with the backing of a leading landscape organisation.

The Landscape Institute has given its support for the proposal – seeing the Green Belt as a strong way to protect the integrity of local cities and landscapes.

Merrick Denton–Thompson, outgoing president of the institute, has written in support of the scheme, which if adopted will give legal protection to the countryside it covers.

Mr Denton-Thompson has cited the adoption of a Green Belt as a way in which greater consideration can be given to future planning and strategic thinking which will ensure the preservation of a vibrant and thriving countryside and community

He said: “The strong economic performance of Hampshire is influenced by the quality of the countryside, contributing as it does to the health and well-being of everyone, including the strong sense of place and local identity.”

In thanking Mr Denton-Thompson and The Landscape Institute for its support, CPRE Hampshire chairman, Dee Haas said: “The Landscape Institute is a well-respected, professional organisation and we are very pleased that they have come out in favour of this campaign, joining their voice to the thousands of local people who are supporting the idea.

“The South Hampshire Green Belt would provide continued protection for areas of local countryside, preventing urban sprawl and ensuring that green spaces remain a place for everyone to use, share and enjoy,” Dee added.

CPRE Hampshire is currently running an online petition to support the designation of a Green Belt around the urban area of South Hampshire – as part of a strategic vision for Hampshire – designed to “limit further encroachment, prevent the coalescence of settlements, and prompt a greater contribution to new housing from regeneration of the urban area”.