South East Forum For Sustainability

Archive for the ‘General’ Category

For anyone still at their computer! It’s been an interesting year for SEFS, and looking back at all we achieved during the time of the Regional Assembly (more of that at the AGM), rather a frustrating one of trying to find our voice in the confused and rather fragmented political landscape.

But we are soldiering on until the last and we do hope you can join us at our AGM on 2^nd February to hear what we have been doing. Thanks to those of you who have registered to come along, but if you haven’t yet you can still do so via the SEFS website please do let me know by 16^th January so I can make appropriate catering arrangements.

In the meantime have been keeping track of developments in the world of Planning and the Environment and here are some of the latest bits of news pre Christmas.

 1)      Planning Reforms

a.       Campaign groups target MPs: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/18/national-trust-rspb-planning-laws

b.      MPs call for a rewrite to Planning Rules to end confusion: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16271888

c.     DCLG Committee Report brands NPPF as unhelpfully vague, and amongst other things say the default “yes” to development should  be removed and that “sustainable development” is poorly defined and needs to be strengthened and extended: http://www.localism-agenda.com/2011/12/key-points-in-the-dclg-select-committee-report-on-the-nppf/ and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/hands-off-our-land/8968668/Hands-off-our-land-cross-party-MPs-committee-tells-the-Government-to-draw-up-a-new-NPPF.html

 2)      Transport

a.       Statistics for 2011: http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/releases/transport-statistics-great-britain-2011

b.       Oxford to Bedford Rail Link to reopen: http://eastwestrail.org.uk/

 3)    Energy

a.    Friends of the Earth win case against FITs changes: news story: http://www.foe.co.uk/news/legal_challenge_win_34270.html
And here’s their press release: http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/solar_fits_victory_21122011.html

and a Christmas action – send a Christmas e-card to your MP calling on them to put solar back on track: http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/mp_christmas_card_34263.html

b.    Select Committee warns FITs changes possibly fatal for industry: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16288267        

c.    Energy minister Greg Barker was heckled as he spoke at the Micropower Council’s Christmas drinks: http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?src=nl&id=21551

 4) LEPs

a.  South East Midlands LEP Networking Event 22d March 2012: http://www.southeastmidlands.org.uk/event.asp

Best wishes to  you all for a sustainable festive season.

A)      NPPF

1. Environment Select Committee criticises NPPF as contradictory and confusing: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15704312

B)      Energy

1. Friends of the Earth pursue legal action over the Government’s policy on cuts to the Feed in Tariff: http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/friends_of_the_earth_to_follow_through_with_legal_challenge_5478/
2. Wind Farm at Bozeat near Milton Keynes wins on appeal: http://lavendonconnection.com/Temp_Notices/Nun_Wood_Decision_Letter.pdf

C)      Housing

1. New CPRE shows there is brown field land for housing: http://www.cpre.org.uk/media-centre/latest-news-releases/item/2606-new-report-england-needs-to-keep-recycling-land-now-more-than-ever

D)      Localism

1. Bill to become law: http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9630000/9630950.stm And http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/dataview/News/News_Article.aspx?KeyValue=2552
2. Receives Royal Assent: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/item/4914/pg_dtl_art_news/pg_hdr_art/pg_ftr_art
3. Plain English Guide: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishupdate
4. Hailed as a historic shift of giving power back to the people http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/general/news/stories/2011/nov11/171111/171111_1

E)      Sustainable Development

1. Government responds to Environment Select Committee on their request for a clear definition of Sustainable Development: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/general/news/stories/2011/nov11/171111/171111_2

F)      Transport

1. Improvements to Rail links from Oxford to Marylebone halted by bats: http://www.planningresource.co.uk/bulletin/planningdaily/article/1104575/inspector-oxford-rail-link-plans-pose-risk-bats/  & http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/headlines/9368010.Wildlife_could_halt___130m_Oxford_train_link/?action=complain&cid=9830759

G)      Marine Conservation Zones

1. Plans delayed: http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2125164/delayed-marine-conservation-zones-curtail-green-investment

H)      Housing

1. Federation of Master Builders lobbies Government over the need to reintroduce centralised housing targets: http://andrewlainton.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/federation-of-master-builders-government-may-have-to-reintroduce-housing-targets-nppf/

I)      South Downs

1. Planning approval given for hospital site redevelopment near Midhurst but with tough controls to protect wildlife and natural beauty of the area: http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/about-us/news/planning-committee-king-edward-vii-application

The Fair Fares Now month of action went brilliantly! Hundreds of volunteers stepped forward to run events at over 40 stations across the country, from Maidstone to St. Albans, Exeter to Carlisle and everywhere in between. In many places, local MPs joined in to show their support. The response from passengers was overwhelmingly supportive, and the events also helped to generate a huge amount of local media coverage, whose importance in shaping political opinion is often forgotten. Together, campaigners gathered thousands of signatures on the petition demanding that the government reverse its plans to raise fares by 28% by 2015.

 The groundswell of action was capped off with a successful demonstration outside Waterloo station on the date that next January’s planned fare rises were announced. The turn-out was large, colourful and noisy, and after listening to speakers including Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Maria Eagle, those attending joined together for a mass ‘pop-in’, popping hundreds of balloons marked ‘No 28% fare hikes’ to show that it’s time to burst the bubble on inflation-busting fare rises (see photos here). The media were out in force, and views heard loud and clear in every national newspaper and on every major TV and radio channel.

 Now, it’s time to focus on the government’s fares review. Campaign for Better Transport will be working hard behind the scenes, demonstrating how dire the impacts of fare hikes will be, and pushing the government to commit to improvements like part-time season tickets or being able to pay advance fare up to departure – as well as reducing the cost of train travel overall.

There’s no denying its a tough job ahead. But together, fare increase have already been made a political hot potato rather than an annual fait accompli. The government are now firmly on the back foot, having been forced to try to justify their ‘difficult decision’ in the public spotlight rather than staying silent or hiding behind the train companies. They’ve said they want to end the era of above inflation fare rises. The door is open, and – with the huge amount of new support and momentum generated by everyone’s hard work over the month of action – this campaign can be won.

www.fairfaresnow.org.uk

This is the last week of consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. SEFS member organisations are organising the last push of events and responses to the framework and details can be found below:

1) 12th October – mass lobby of MPs, organised by Friends of the Earth individuals can come and meet their MP and share their concerns on the planning reforms and hear from FOE about what amendments are needed. If you’d like to attend contact: localism@foe.co.uk

2) On the same day the National Trust will be having a regional breakfast meeting with MPs

SEFS Members and other organisations are starting to send in their responses to the consultation and this page will be refreshed as they land in the SEFS inbox. To date we have had details from:

Civic Voice – Key Issues for NPPF
CPRE – Key issues for NPPF
CTC – Key Issues for NPPF

Simple electronic campaigns on the NPPF are also available on various websites:

Campaign for Better Transport – Say No to Bad Planning
CPRE – Countryside in Danger action
Friends of the Earth – Email Greg Clarke
National Trust – Planning for the People petition, email your MP and posters
RSPB – Put Sustainability Back into Planning
Woodland Trust – Make sure the Government Keeps its promise

There is also plenty of information and updates on the CPRE South East website

Environmental organisations put out a joint statement on the need for Sustainable Development to be defined and embedded in the Localism Bill.

The joint statement reads as follows. If you’d like your organisation to add its name please contact: localism@foe.co.uk

The UK is facing unprecedented challenges for the 21^st Century – economic recovery, climate change and biodiversity loss, increased urbanisation and the need for greater social equity. The need for us to strive to achieve sustainable development and effectively address these issues has never been more pressing. An effective, strategic planning system has an essential role to play in delivering true integration of economic, social and environmental priorities and objectives at all levels.

We believe that achieving sustainable development must be at the heart of the planning system. However, there is currently no unifying statutory definition of sustainable development and often decision-makers tend to focus on one pillar (economy, environment or society), rather than integration of all three. This has led to vague duties and weak delivery on the ground.

The Localism Bill presents an opportunity to address this. A statutory definition of sustainable development will help to provide greater certainty in local decision-making and identify the common goal which we should all be working towards. 

The organisations listed here support the amendment of the Localism Bill to include the following definition of sustainable development to apply to planning:

 “sustainable development” means development that meets the social, economic and environmental needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs including the application of the following principles:

 (i)        living within environmental limits;

(ii)      ensuring a strong healthy and just society;

(iii)    achieving a sustainable economy;

(iv)    promoting good governance;

(v)      using sound science responsibly.”

This overarching definition can then be expanded in the National Planning Policy Framework.

At the local level, councils and communities can determine the policies that need to be applied in their area to ensure that their communities and development are sustainable and fit within the overarching definition.

This statement is supported by organisations and individuals named below:

Age UK
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Badger Trust
Buglife
Campaign for Better Transport
Campaign for National Parks
Campaign to Protect Rural England
Council for British Archaeology
Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development
Friends of the Earth
Ian Christie
Jonathan Porritt
Living Streets
Localise West Midlands
London Sustainability Exchange
National Federation of Women’s Institutes
New Economics Foundation
North West Environment Link
One North West
RSPB
Sheffield Renewables
Town and Country Planning Association
The National Trust
Think 2050
The Wildlife Trusts
West Midlands Regional Environment Forum
Women’s Resource Centre
Woodland Trust
WWF-UK
Voice 4 Change
Voluntary Sector North West

Free Seminar
University of Surrey, Lecture Theatre Block

Freiburg im Breisgau a German city that has been twinned with Guildford for over 30 years is well known for its high standard of living and advanced environmental practices.

To commemorate this successful partnership Guildford Borough Council has invited the Oberburgermeister (Lord Mayor- of Freiburg, Dr Deiter Salomon to visit Guildford and share the secrets of Freiburg’s succcess in relation to sustainable development in the City.

Of course sustainable development would not be possible without the support of crucial environmental technology and Guildford is  home to a number of companies that are at the forefront of this pioneering work.

Speakers from Thomson Ecology, TMO and DMCii will present the latest developments in technology and essential tips for development projects.

Places are limited so reserve your spaces(s) by emailing: The Civic Secretary, Kate Farrow at civicsecretary@guildford.gov.uk

SEFS was delighted to host a stimulating General Meeting on 15th June (room courtsey of the Ethical Property Company in Development House)

The morning’s discussuions focussed on; progress towards the SEFS 2011 work programme, SEFS work relating to HS2, and a timely update on the Localism Bill. The afternoon focussed on the implemenation in the South East of the Water Framework Directive and an update on the fascinating case studies, toolkit and Climate Change Adaptation Action Plans that have come out of the Green and Blue Space Adaptation project.

All the presentations can be found below:

Presentations: SEFS Work programme , HS2 Presentation, Friends of the Earth Localism , Water Framework Directive, Green & Blue Space Adaptation (GRaBS)

Futher information on:
1) The Localism Bill can be found on the Friends of the Earth website and yesterday’s announcement (15 June) by CLG on the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ is here

What next…the Bill goes to the Lords Committee next week. In July we expect to see the Government’s new National Planning Policy framework – this is now THE crucial document to test whether Sustainable Development stands for anything or if all the signs we have had so far are to be realised…i.e. that planning is simply being tilted toward pro growth development of indeterminate quality and quantity…

2) The Water Framework Directive can be found here , South East River Basin District Area and the Thames River Basin District Area

3) The Green & Blue Space Adaptation project can be found here including the:
Adaptation Action Plans & Policy Statements
Expert Papers
Policy Guidelines & Briefing Papers
and the GRaBS Adaptation Action Planning Toolkit here

Stop massive train fare hikes and fight for greener transport

Train fares are set to rise 28% over the next three years – that’s bad news for passengers and for the environment. Right now, the government is reviewing its policy on train fares, so we need to show just how many people oppose their planned fare hikes. Campaign for Better Transport is asking local groups across the south-east to help by organising petitioning events at their nearest train station from 15 July to 15 August. The aim is to let commuters know about the Fair Fares Now campaign, collect petition signatures and hopefully hold a meeting/press opportunity with your local MP at the station. Ideally, groups would commit to being at the station during rush-hour for at least a few mornings a week for two weeks during the month. If this isn’t something your local group can be involved in, you could join a pool of volunteers in your area as an individual, or if you have a bit more time, we can support you to be the local coordinator for your town or city. Information, materials, costs and support provided by Campaign for Better Transport.

 If you’re interested either as a group or an individual, please let us know here. Alternatively, email alexandra.woodsworth@bettertransport.org.uk or call 020 7566 6486 with your name, email address, phone number and postcode and/or nearest train station – and any questions you might have.

Residents of a street in Brighton have opted to have their electricity use monitored and reported down the street by a local graffitti artist.

Over the next 3 weeks residents in Tidy Street (Brighton) will record their electricity use and a daily total will be marked down the street comparing it to the average use in Brighton.

The big question is will being monitored change the residents habits? More details on the project can be found here and local paper coverage here

Stop Climate Chaos needs a South East Regional Mobiliser to help local activists set up events as part of the Big Climate Reconnection.  

Deadline for applications 28th Feb.

Click here for more details