The new Government has made headlines with its plans to tackle England’s housing shortage.

They have already proposed new rules to guide councils’ decisions on what gets built and where, and which landscapes, habitats and open spaces get protected.

Unfortunately, the new draft National Planning Policy Framework will do little if anything to prevent soulless housing estates popping up all over the countryside, without local schools, doctors, public transport etc, making it hard to get around without driving.

These estates typically provide lots of space for car-parking, leaving little or no room for attractive public or green spaces. Children are unable to walk, scoot or cycle to school, and the roads become congested, polluted and dangerous. It’s hardly surprising that people object to these developments.

Instead, the Government's planning reforms need to support ‘close-knit communities’, places where everyone can get around without always depending on the car, because:

• Schools, shops, doctors, dentists etc are close to where people live;
• There are safe and easy ways to reach these and other key destinations by walking, wheeling or cycling and/or by local public, shared or community transport; and
• Motor traffic is therefore kept in check, because the alternatives are preferable.

Close-knit communities would provide huge benefits: cleaner air, safer and less congested streets, communities where people know their neighbours, where children can play outdoors, where people can use cars when needed without having to own them. They would reduce the costs of living and to the NHS, while helping us achieve a net zero future.

But we need to make sure MPs get the message before the Government finalises the Planning Framework and brings forward new legislation, which is expected soon. We’ve made it easy for you to do this - just fill out the form and start with our template letter.

You can also add your own local examples of both good or bad developments, so that your MP understands the problem and the possible solutions.

Please forward any reply you receive from your MP - we can be reached via hello@lowtrafficfuture.org.uk.

This campaign is promoted by the Low Traffic Future alliance, whose members include the following organisations: