CAACs should have a distinct voice. In many ways it seems as though the conservation movement has gone seriously off the boil, that all the big battles have been won. Certainly other environmental concerns have come to the fore, i.e. green issues, organic farming and so on. At the moment, pressure is being exerted at the highest level by those favoured with direct access to ministers and with a vested interest in development to change the planning rules yet again. The present government seems keen to acquire the mantle of enlightenment and progress.
All governments readily understand the symbolic performance of construction.
This clamour is going to reach a pitch during the run up to the millennium. We all need to be wary, with a government in such a powerful position, and the Chancellor talking about relaxing planning regulations.