A NORTH Hampshire resident has been chosen as the new chairman of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire).

Dee Haas, from Ellisfield, took over the role on January 1 from Peter Bedford, who continues as chair of North Hampshire District.

The landscape architect, who has campaigned against developments on greenfield sites in the area, intends to widen the charity’s appeal so it can reach a working age membership.

She also wants to encourage more people, particularly larger communities, to rediscover and appreciate the countryside on their doorstep.

She said: “I have been very taken with the wealth of expertise existing in our voluntary and paid members and the way that they can respond quickly to help people in their campaigns.

“The supportive, educational planning workshops are very helpful, and I love the programme of visits and activities. The Countryside Awards scheme is a great asset to the charity and its corporate supporters, so I would like to see that developing in the future.”

In north Hampshire, CPRE is keeping a careful eye on plans to site wind farms at Woodmancott and Bullington Cross, which the charity believes would have a serious impact on the local landscape.