In response, the DETR and MAFF jointly published 'The Draft Soil Strategy for England - A Consultation Paper' in March 2001, thereby implementing one of the commitments made in the Rural White Paper. Comments on the draft strategy are requested by 31 May 2001 with the Government optimistically aiming to publish the final version in July 2001. A copy of the strategy has been placed in the Members' Room. The Soil Strategy starts by discussing the role and importance of soil in the context of sustainable development. The Extent of Soil 3.2 Three key pressures on the extent of soil are identified in the strategy, ie development, erosion and extraction.
Development can lead to soil being severely damaged, completely removed or covered.
When land is recycled it is usually impossible to restore that soil to its original state. There can also be an associated loss of habitat, landscape and cultural value. Development pressures for housing, industry and infrastructure are substantial, with the number of new households in England projected to increase between 1996 and 2021 by 3.8 million, with the greatest demand being in the south-east. 3.3 Erosion of soil, by wind and water, removes particles and transports them elsewhere. Such erosion is a double problem.