Here are some of the FAQs which are being raised as a result of the Chairman's speech at the National Trust AGM on the 3rd November.
What was Trust Chairman Sir William Proby saying about the green belt - is the Trust now going to try and buy it?
The Trust has been buying bits of the green belt or, at the very least, land that adjoins cities and towns for many years. Last year, for example, it acquired Wembury Point on the coast outside Plymouth and Divis and the Black mountain on the edge of Belfast. The context of the Chairman's speech was discussions now underway among the National Trust's trustees about future acquisitions. Given that our statutes require us to buy things for the 'benefit of the nation' he asked whether, with countryside and green spaces widely under threat, the Trust should now concentrate on acquisitions of threatened land. The speech was an opportunity to put that question to members and the general public at large by asking them to give their views.
Isn't it wrong for the Trust to launch a political attack on the government? It is meant to be a charity.
The Chairman's words were never intended as a direct or even implicit attack on the government. He made clear that these are highly complex issues, that we are not opposed to development and that we recognise the acute need of all citizens for decent places to live. However, he wanted to stress the irrevocable nature of the loss of cherished places to building, the importance of local opinion being heard in planning issues and the significant benefits that green spaces offer in terms of well being and spiritual refreshment.
Doesn't the Trust ever build on the green belt or at least on green field sites?
Yes, the Trust does build on occasion on sites it deems to be appropriate and which are considered suitable through ther planning system. They also need to meet a series of strict criteria including tests of the impact of development on local communities, meet environmental standards and design criteria. With conservation liabilities of up to £200m at any given moment, the Trust needs the revenues to support its core conservation work. On occasions these developments do provoke controversy and opposition. We listen hard to what people have to say and consult closely before proceeding.
What will happen when the consultation with members and the general public is over?
The Trust has launched an online survey to find out what you value about your local green places. The results will be collated and publiced at the end of the survey.
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