Mickleton

The chairman reminded members that the society has been a corporate member of the CPRE since the society's formation 33 years ago. The links have always been strong and particularly with the late president, Dick Wilson who was chairman of the North Cotswold Branch of the CPRE for a number of years and more recently, Tony Overton has served on that committee.

Stephen gave an historical overview of the development and evolution of the rural landscape of the Cotswolds and described how the open field system shaped the Cotswold Villages.

Stephen went on to outline the main challenges which exist today. These included global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases with wind generation as an alternative sustainable source of energy. Quarrying is another local issue. Whilst not opposing quarrying for the production of stone for building purposes they do oppose the production of aggregate for distribution outside the Cotswolds followed by the influx of waste from outside to fill the holes left by the quarry sites.

The CPRE has concerns about GM crops and would prefer a moratorium until more data is available. Other matters of concern include the loss of hedgerows and dry stone walls where they would favour some funding being set aside to help farmers maintain them and housing where they would like to see the government targets on new build housing on brownfield sites to be increased from 60 per cent to 75 per cent to accommodate the half a million homes required over the next 30 years.

Tony Overton proposed the vote of thanks.

The next meeting will be on February 7. This will be the postponed Surprises in Cotswold Churches.