Ash Parish Council has formally joined a growing national campaign seeking changes to planning policies that campaigners say are placing increasing pressure on rural communities.
At its Full Council meeting on 12 October 2026, Ash Parish Council resolved to support the Rural Roar campaign, a grassroots coalition advocating for reforms to the Government’s Grey Belt policy and housing target methodology.
The decision follows concerns expressed by many rural communities about the scale and pace of development proposed on greenfield land, and the potential impact on local infrastructure, services and community character.
Founded by Effingham Parish Councillor Paula Moss, Rural Roar aims to bring together parish and town councils, residents’ groups and community organisations to campaign for what it describes as a more balanced and locally accountable planning system.
The campaign states that it supports the delivery of new homes, including affordable housing for local people, but argues that housing targets and Grey Belt policies should better reflect the realities and constraints faced by rural areas.
Among Rural Roar’s key objectives are:
- Greater local involvement in planning decisions.
- A review of housing targets in rural authorities.
- Further assessment of the impact of Grey Belt policy.
- Protection of countryside and village character.
- Consideration of infrastructure capacity when allocating development.
In Surrey, communities are facing a number of significant development proposals, including plans affecting areas such as Normandy, Tongham other locations across the borough.
Following the Council’s decision, Ash Parish Council will now receive future updates from the campaign and share information with councillors as the initiative develops.
Campaign organisers say support is continuing to grow, with parish councils across the region adding their names to the coalition’s “Roll of Honour” as it seeks to raise awareness of rural planning issues at a national level.
Residents wishing to learn more about the campaign can visit www.ruralroar.org.uk.