Isn’t it just predictable that the givernment would think that tourism can only be improved by more holiday lets!
What about removing VAT on ALL tourist accommodation – as is the case in most of – you would never believe it! – Europe! What about not concreting over our green fields? What about not building houses on our beauty spots and AONBs? No – just let farmers (and other developers) build more!
“Rural campaigners have called for the abolition of planning red tape to help turn round a decline in the number of visitors to Devon and Cornwall’s glorious countryside.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has announced that it will examine the reasons behind a national wane in visitors to the countryside.
Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said tourism was vital to the economy of rural areas in the region and the Government needed to take action.
“Tourism is of enormous financial importance to rural areas like the Westcountry and it is alarming to see the market decline in this way,” she said.
“We welcome the Efra Select Committee inquiry into the problem and urge parliament to do everything it can to boost and support rural tourism.”
Ms Lee said the Government could act to “remove the red tape” that surrounds planning permission to make it easier for redundant farm buildings to get a new lease of life as holiday lets…. ”
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/remove-red-tape-call-to-boost-rural-tourism/story-29484249-detail/story.html
East Devon Watch 