## **Trustees Annual Report for the period 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England
## **Objects and Activities**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (The Charity) is established for the promotion and encouragement for the benefit of the public the improvement and protection of the English countryside and in particular that of the Administrative County of Somerset and its towns and villages and for the better development of the rural environment.
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
## **Achievement and Performance**
The charity has 10 Trustees through the year, one of which is paid as the charity’s planning consultant. The charity also pays for the services of a freelance administrator.
Our planner advises the Trustees, reviews planning applications which may affect the Somerset countryside, liaises with members of CPRE Somerset and members of the public. Our planner submits comments and objections to the local authority and attends and speaks at planning committees and public inquiries. There has been some notable success in the past year.
The charity supports sustainable initiatives to reduce global warming including solar but is concerned with the growing number of commercial solar farms which are being introduced and which impair the enjoyment of the countryside and reduces the land available for food production. It however supports the installation of solar on brownfield sites such as the roofs of commercial buildings.
The introduction of biomass digesters has been of particular concern in Somerset causing traffic problems due to material being imported from long distances and problems with enforcement.
The charity seeks avenues of funding from public bodies and from donations from members.
In 2024 the charity continued with its successful Litter Pick Project which has now supplied Litter Pick kits to over 300 volunteers, the Fingerpost project which continues to support Parish Councils in the refurbishment of traditional, cast-iron fingerposts across Somerset and the annual photo competition.
In 2024 we organized several events for CPRE members and the public, often in partnership with other organisations, local and national. These included a stargazing event, a talk about West Country Myths & Legends, a guided walk in the Quantock Hills and a seminar about how to design better housing developments.
## **Financial Review**
The approved accounts for 2024 follow and have been verified by an independent examiner.
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Income has increased this year mainly through Specialist Planning Advice to local groups who campaigns against planning applications from developers for housing projects and commercial solar farms
Overheads have grown to mirror the increase in Planning Advice but these have been offset by crowd funding activities which have received very positive results covering in the main the increases expenditure.
The finances of the charity are in good order going into 2025 and will enable us to continue supporting our efforts to protect Somerset’s countryside.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The Charity is governed by a Memorandum of Association and is a company limited by guarantee.
Trustees are selected by invite after having discussions with the chair and having attended a committee meeting(s). They are nominated and elected at each AGM.
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England
Charity Registration No: 1100860
Sanctuary Cottage West Pennard Glastonbury BA6 8NL Trustees
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Dates acted if Name of person (or body)
Office (if
Trustee name not for whole entitled to appoint trustee (if
any)
year any)
Hugh Williams Chair CPRE Somerset
Gerhard Hattingh CPRE Somerset
Vernon Hughes CPRE Somerset
David Julian CPRE Somerset
John Roberts Treasurer CPRE Somerset
Until CPRE Somerset
Fletcher Robinson 28/11/24
Janette Ward CPRE Somerset
Sarah Hutchison CPRE Somerset
Until CPRE Somerset
Jan Owen 14/11/2024
Jenny Raggett CPRE Somerset
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