Essex car park extension faces scrutiny under new landscape protection laws

A car park extension at Manningtree station in Essex will be a key test of new legislation aimed at protecting national parks and landscapes in England. Campaigners argue the extension threatens habitats and restricts access to the Dedham Vale area. The legislation, part of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, requires public bodies to prioritize landscape protection in their decisions. Local preservation groups are challenging the planning inspectorate's approval of the car park extension, claiming it violates these new duties. Concerns have also been raised about other projects, such as road widenings, potentially ignoring the new regulations. Campaigners emphasize the need for government enforcement to ensure compliance and protect the UK’s natural landscapes.