CRD in Context

National Context

The main focus of the Centre’s work will be on the problems and opportunities facing the “near country” typical of pressured rural hinterlands within the London-Paris-Brussels triangle, in contrast to the “far country” of more remote regions. With this in mind, the work of the Centre will relate well to the wider region of South East England.

RURAL ISSUES

“In some areas the wealth and proximity of urban areas has resulted in a range of threats and opportunities for rural areas, whereas other areas remain less accessible, leading to fewer job opportunities, problems of isolation, and lower incomes “ (Regional Planning Guidance for the South East, March 2001)

In economic, social, cultural and geographic terms, Sussex is part of England’s South East region, characterised by economic buoyancy and continuous pressures for housing and service growth. As a result, employment opportunities may be good, but affordable housing and services have become scarce and precious environments are threatened. Furthermore, some rural areas have remained less accessible, with fewer job opportunities and problems of isolation and lower incomes (for example the Rural Priority Area in the eastern parts of East Sussex).
In summary, rural Sussex can be characterised by:-
A wide range of market towns and villages which continue to attract affluent commuters and retired people
Growing employment opportunities in favoured rural areas as companies and individuals become less tied to urban centres
Less favoured rural areas continuing to suffer from agricultural decline, limited job and training opportunities, low wages, and poor access to services

Continuing decline of many rural services in the face of centralisation and concentration of resources (e.g. hospitals, shops, housing)

Social deprivation and exclusion for many less affluent rural dwellers, often forcing them to move away to urban areas for jobs, housing and services

Brief European Context

The Agenda 2000 has set up a European Policy for rural development as the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Indeed, it was necessary to set up a policy, which would comprise all socio-economic sectors and would permit a holistic development of rural areas.
For the financial period 2007-2013, the European Commission has proposed a specific and unique Fund for rural development, which can be better recognised as a specific area, distinct but complementary to the CAP.
Since the EU decisions influence the future of Member states and regions by strategies and priorities it set up and since changes are accruing especially through the last enlargement, it’s necessary to make rural areas and key actors able to voice themselves on the European political scene