RE-ORGANISING local government in Hampshire could have a devastating effect on protecting the countryside, says a conservation group.

This is the view of the countryside conservation organisation Hampshire CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) after talks with 2,000 members who represent individuals and town and parish councils.

The CPRE view is in response to Hampshire County Council’s public consultation on options for the future of local government.

CPRE Hampshire spokesman Edward Dawson said: “We discussed the options in detail, and accept the idea of a southern Hampshire urban combined authority. To the north and including the New Forest, a ‘Heart of Hampshire’ authority could cover the rural area and the many towns and villages that flourish there.

“These southern urban and northern rural authorities could take the place of existing district and borough councils in those areas, reducing the level of administration and workload.

“The historic and ceremonial county of Hampshire should also remain in place.

“The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county.”

CPRE is aware of the need to save money in local government, and the possibility of additional powers being devolved to the Hampshire area would be of value.

Further funds could also be sought to provide much-needed infrastructure, and develop a more coherent system of planning for the county.

A county-based approach to providing many services could work well.

Mr Dawson added: “We are also conscious of the need for better planning than has been possible with so many small and under-resourced districts.

“We would call for a return to county-wide planning, much as occurred before the abolition of county structure plans in 2004.

“We are working on a proposal for more coherent planning strategies throughout Hampshire that recognise the true value of its countryside, and the need to control growth in a more acceptable manner.”

CPRE Hampshire’s full response is available from www.cprehampshire.org.uk.