A FORMER BBC presenter has taken over as the new director of the Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Dorchester man Trevor Bevins, 55, will be based at the charity’s office at Little Keep on Bridport Road where he will be working part-time for the CPRE.

Mr Bevins, who has lived in Dorchester for more than 30 years, used to run the BBC Dorset station until it was closed five years ago.

He presented the morning and lunchtime news and managed the news team.

He said: “I arrive at the CPRE at a time when Government policy changes seem likely to bring about the biggest shift in planning law for more than half a century.

“For the first time the Govern-ment is suggesting the ‘default position’ for local authorities to planning applications is to say ‘yes’ – and presume in favour of developments if they’re considered sustainable.

“Many believe this will lead to further unnecessary building on greenfield sites instead of favouring brownfield locations.

“The presumption in favour of development, especially where economic development is involved, will almost certainly curtail the power of local councillors to object to applications.”

He added that Dorset is also undergoing a review of its renewable energy strategy which has, amongst its options, identified the potential for up to 180 wind turbines in the county in an attempt to ensure that, by 2020, Dorset produces roughly 15 per cent of its energy by renewable power.

“So far, all applications for wind turbines in Dorset have been turned down after local objections, but CPRE is worried that if this is the level of wind turbines ultimately being suggested, coupled with Government changes to planning law, it will make it more difficult for local councillors to reject turbine applications from developers.

“We’re currently in discussion with the county council over the proposals. It’s likely that this issue will dominate local planning for some time to come.”

Mr Bevins is also the membership secretary at Castle Cove Sailing Club, secretary to the Dorchester Association of Former Round Tablers, is a past Dorchester Carnival and Round Table chairman and is a member of the West Dorset branch of CAMRA and Egdon Heath Harriers.