Claire Tester
clairetester.bsky.social
Claire Tester
@clairetester.bsky.social
Town Planner, National Parks and Landscapes, Community Planning and Led Development, cats 🐈‍⬛🐈😹 Views are my own.
Reposted by Claire Tester
Here's the full Written Ministerial Statement made by Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing & Planning, at the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Heads of Planning Conference on Thursday. PS- Happy 20th Birthday to PAS! questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
March 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
🐸Toad Migration update🐸
370 assisted last night (21/2/25) only 45 dead(😢) . Also 26 newts helped too😃
Please drive carefully in migration areas 🙏🏻
#Toads #Newts
#SouthDowns
#CuckmereValley
@froglife.bsky.social
@southdownsnp.bsky.social
@sussextw.bsky.social
February 22, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
That's right, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn will all line up for the last time until 2040!

We'll have the telescopes out so come on down to join us from 5.30 - 8.30pm tonight (Saturday 22 February).
February 22, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
New blog post, It Was The “Rushed And Incoherent” Jibe That Got Me

simonicity.com/2025/02/08/i...
It Was The “Rushed And Incoherent” Jibe That Got Me
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee published its conclusions from its inquiry on grey belt on 5 February 2025, by way of a letter from Lord Moylan (its chair until 30 January 2025 since…
simonicity.com
February 8, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
😅😅😅
February 7, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Victory for Protected Landscapes in landmark legal case ⚖️

Gov't have admitted to making an error in law after submission of our legal evidence💪

This sends a clear message that there will be consequences if public bodies fail to uphold the law, more 👇
www.cnp.org.uk/news/victory...
Victory in landmark legal case
Secretary of State has admitted to making an error in law after Campaign for National Parks played a crucial role in securing victory in a landmark legal case.
www.cnp.org.uk
February 1, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
We won our legal test case! It sets a precedent mandating public bodies to enhance national parks & landscapes.

After @campaign4parks.bsky.social intervened, Gov admitted “error in law”.

Judicial Review is critical for small charities to secure change.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Campaigners hail ‘important victory’ in protection of England’s national parks
Minister says there was error when Manningtree station car park extension was approved under last government
www.theguardian.com
February 1, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Government confirms that Planning and Infrastructure Bill 'will be introduced in Spring' with further detail on the Bill to be published today in a working paper - www.gov.uk/government/n...
Government goes further and faster on planning reform in bid for growth
Chancellor continues bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.
www.gov.uk
January 26, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
To deliver on our Plan for Change we need to do more to streamline the development of critical national infrastructure.

We’ve today published a working paper seeking views on proposed changes to the NSIP regime 👇🏻

www.gov.uk/government/p...
Planning Reform Working Paper: Streamlining Infrastructure Planning
This paper invites views on how the government could reform the process for consenting Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP).
www.gov.uk
January 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM
South Downs Local Plan Review out on location today in Twyford near Winchester. Come and join us! #localplans #nationalparks
January 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
"Effective community engagement remains key to improving the delivery and quality of critical projects.”

We respond to the Government’s latest announcement on plans to speed up the judicial review process and unlock major infrastructure projects:
www.rtpi.org.uk/news/2025/ja...
Effective community engagement remains vital for delivering major infrastructure projects
The RTPI responds to the Government’s latest announcement on plans to speed up the judicial review process and unlock major infrastructure projects.
www.rtpi.org.uk
January 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
"I will be doing my part as past president to visit as many schools and universities, and career fairs to talk about planning with students. Please join me in building that pipeline."
Lindsey Richards reflects on her presidential year and attracting future talent 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/blog/2025/ja...
Lindsey Richards: And Finally…
It’s been an honour and privilege to be the 110th President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, and as anticipated it’s been quite a year!
www.rtpi.org.uk
January 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
We will be launching an awareness campaign to change the narrative around planning by demonstrating the public benefits of proper planning. It will aim to reshape public perceptions, showing planning not as an obstacle, but as a proactive force for good.
Read more: www.rtpi.org.uk/news/2025/ja...
RTPI to launch its second major awareness campaign to change narrative around planning
Helen Fadipe, RTPI President in 2025, is looking to change the narrative around planning as part of a new RTPI campaign.
www.rtpi.org.uk
January 22, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
📣The consultation on the South Downs Local Plan Review begins today!

This is an opportunity for people to have their say on how and where development takes place, ensuring communities across the National Park can grow sustainably.

The consultation will last 8 weeks, closing on 17 March.
January 20, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Please get involved in the Local Plan for this nationally important asset. National Parks are for everyone so you don’t have to be local to contribute. Help us make it better for nature, climate and people ⛰️💐💦🏃‍♀️
Have your say on the Local Plan Review!

A consultation begins next week as we review the Local Plan, which determines how and where development takes place in the National Park.

Learn more and get involved 👉 https://buff.ly/4alC4zR
January 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
For anyone who needs to see and hear the sun rising at Seven Sisters Country Park this morning. You’re welcome 😊
January 12, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Just amazing!
January 11, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
57 companies are responsible for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 2016.

These companies include fossil fuel giants like Chevron, Shell, and BP, who have been raking in record profits.

The profits of Big Oil should not be more important than the future of our planet.
Just 57 companies linked to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions since 2016
Analysis reveals many big producers increased output of fossil fuels and related emissions in seven years after Paris climate deal
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Pleased to have won cross-party support for my Bill to introduce a national ban on pesticide use in public spaces!

More needs to be done to stop councils using toxic chemicals which are a danger to people, pets and children using these spaces, and the wider environment 🌱🐝
January 10, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Attention Planning Fans.

The Planning Alliance is a new initiative that aims to improve the operation and image of the planning system and get more resources into it.

A Programme Manager is being sought to implement an action plan towards these aims.

www.planningofficers.org.uk/news/vacancy...
Vacancy for Planning Alliance Programme Manager
www.planningofficers.org.uk
January 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Having a long weekend at Seven Sisters Country Park in the South Downs National Park. Beautiful, tranquil setting and the weather is being kind to us. @southdownsnp.bsky.social
January 11, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Such a positive story to wake up to this morning. A huge well done to @nationaltrust.bsky.social
We really look forward to seeing the impact of your ambition becoming a reality and hope your work inspires other large landowners.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

#rewilding #nature
National Trust to restore nature across area bigger than Greater London
Charity reveals plans to create 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscape as it marks 130th anniversary
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Reposted by Claire Tester
Fantastic to see Hastings Commons recognised in this way 🏅

You can find out more about the brilliant grassroots-led regeneration underway in Hastings in our latest report, Constructing Consensus 👉 newlocal.org.uk/wp-content/u...
January 10, 2025 at 11:58 AM