Neil Sinden led the discussion with a visual display presentation and responded to many questions relating to the changes in Planning Reform over the past two years and the current areas of consultation and proposed changes.

The Chairman of Newbury & Hungerford District, Lady Barber, reported these were difficult times during the changes in planning policy and encouraged all attending to join CPRE and "Stand Up for the Berkshire countryside" and sign CPRE's Save Our Countryside Charter to influence Government policy.

CPRE's Charter demands are:

Don't sacrifice our countryside: Our open spaces are being destroyed unnecessarily. Previously developed brownfield land should be re-used first to protect the beauty and tranquility of our countryside and breather new life into our towns and cities.

A fair say for local communities: Local people are increasingly unable to stop the destruction of their towns and countryside. The cards are stacked in favour of powerful developers. We want a democratic planning system that gives communities a much stronger say in the future of their area.

More housing - in the right places: The country urgently needs more affordable homes for our rising population, including in villages and market towns BUT  they must be sensitively located, with excellent environmental standards and high quality design that enhances local character.