Affordable housing: for sale as well as rent

To buy?
Futures Forum: "Right to buy" in East Devon

Or to rent?
Futures Forum: Renting vs Buying in the South-West

A new book on the late 1970s/early 1980s by Andy Beckett is pretty even-handed on the history behind today's policies and proposals:

Promised You a Miracle: UK 80-82

Beckett’s discredits many glib assumptions in his section on social housing and Thatcher’s right-to-buy policy. 

Labour governments of the 1970s built progressively fewer council homes, not only because money was short, but because key figures doubted that renting from councils, often for life, was satisfying for tenants and that building programmes were economically sustainable. A Labour government report of 1977 accepted that “owning one’s own house is a basic and natural desire” for most people. 

Contrary to myth, social housing was not a dystopia of brutalist concrete towers, but predominantly semi-detached houses, with gardens, on the edge of towns, isolated and lacking services. Average English council house rent in 1981 was less than 7% of average income. Repairs and maintenance by council workers were often lamentable; the paradox is that strong trade unionism among public sector workers damaged the council housing stock.

Promised You a Miracle: UK 80-82 review – how Britain came back to life | Books | The Guardian

Labour still believes in 'owning one's own house' - but also wants to 'built progressively more council homes':

Labour plan to build 100,000 affordable homes a year

Proposals to build up to 100,000 affordable homes a year have been set out by shadow housing minister John Healey. Under the plans, contained in a report produced for a think-tank, the new homes could pay for themselves within a generation through savings to housing benefit.

The report said the housing benefit bill has grown quicker under the Conservatives than under Labour administrations. On current trends, the housing benefit bill is set to hit £45 billion in today’s prices by 2045, more than the UK currently spends on defence, the report said. The report said the programme of affordable public homes to buy and rent could pay for itself in 26 years purely through lower housing benefit payments, returning a “profit” to the Exchequer of £5.8 billion over 30 years.

In the report for the Smith Institute, Mr Healey said: “It’s simply indefensible for government ministers to deny responsibility for ensuring people are decently housed and for helping the next generation get on. An affordable home isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s the bedrock for the lives and futures of individuals and families throughout the country.”

Labour plan to build 100,000 affordable homes a year | Western Morning News
A different (Labour) way of financing social housing? | East Devon Watch

Labour considers biggest social housebuilding drive since 70s

Shadow housing minister John Healey says government could build 100,000 council houses and housing association homes a year

 

A housing estate in London. The Labour proposal would quadruple the number of affordable homes being built. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA

Labour is considering backing a mass public housebuilding programme on a scale not seen since the mid-70s.

John Healey, the former Treasury minister appointed by Jeremy Corbyn as shadow housing minister, will say on Monday that the state could build 100,000 new council houses and housing association homes a year to drive down the UK’s spiralling housing benefit bill and tackle the affordability crisis.

It would involve almost quadrupling the current number of affordable homes being built. Healey, who has previously said his priority is the decline in home ownership, proposes the homes should be for sale as well as rent.

Labour considers biggest social housebuilding drive since 70s | Politics | The Guardian

See also:
Independent Progressive Public Policy Think Tank
high aspirations, sound foundations: a discussion report on the centre-ground case for building 100,000 new public homes
“Substantial” public sector house building required, says shadow housing minister | The Planner

.

.
.

Greening grey Britain @ Radio 4's Costing the Earth

Greenery helps to calm flooding:
Futures Forum: The decline of the British front garden: "There's an environmental cost. Paving increases the risk of flash flooding - instead of grass and soil soaking up moisture, it runs straight off paving and overwhelms drainage systems."

There are more interesting alternatives to tarmac, as explored in the latest Costing the Earth programme on Radio 4:

Where Have All Our Gardens Gone?

Urban Britain is paving over its front gardens. Lawns, hedges and hollyhocks are being replaced by tarmac and car ports. Each garden may be tiny, but with over 50 million front gardens in the UK, the numbers really add up. It's an environmental problem, quite literally on our doorsteps, and Jheni Osman is finding out what can be done about it.

In Ealing, West London, Jheni meets Leigh Hunt, Horticultural Adviser to the RHS. He reveals that according to their statistics a quarter of all gardens in the UK are now completely under the asphalt. Added together, these tiny patches of grey contribute to many environmental problems - flash floods caused by rain run-off; the 'urban heat island' effect from bricks and mortar which act like storage heaters; and the loss of all-important wildlife corridors for the birds and bees of the cities.

Meanwhile, up in the North of England, Jheni takes a look at how it SHOULD be done. With Horticulturalist Nigel Dunnett, she takes a walk around green and lush suburban Sheffield and spots innovative planting solutions to the problems of urban paving. Nigel tells her about the devastating floods which swept through Sheffield in 2007, and donning her hard hat, Jheni takes a look at the city's ingenious response to the disaster - a radical transformation of a former dual carriageway into a 1.3 kilometer green-way and 'Rain Garden'.

Back in Bristol, Jheni visits two examples of the trend being bucked. A thriving bat colony roosting in an urban garden is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, and a communal planting scheme which is transforming the hard grey of the city centre into a food-growing paradise, complete with runner-beans and sweetcorn.

Perhaps there is hope for our gardens yet.

BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth, Where Have All Our Gardens Gone?

Incredible Edible Network
Incredible Edible garden under threat in Old Town - Warwick Courier
Youngsters go really wild at garden fun day in Prestwich (From Bury Times)


Home - Incredible Edible Bristol

In green spaces all over the city, from Community Food Gardens to private front gardens, seeds are being sown. Guerilla gardening, edible hanging baskets, grass verge takeovers and seed swaps are happening daily. The aim is simple: to provide fresh, health giving food for all—and it’s as much about food security and food sovereignty as it is a revolution in kindness. Grab your virtual shovel and have a dig around this site to find out more, or if you’re ready to get started then here’s what you can do...

Urban Food Growing Trail - a Bristol 2015 project - Incredible Edible Bristol

Rain garden - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The UK Rain Gardens Guide, managing water in our towns and cities
BBC - Gardening Blog: Eco gardening: rain gardens
Central London’s first rain garden unveiled in Victoria - Victoria BID





Grey To Green | Love Square
Love Square: future-proofing the city | Love Square
Sheffield expert designs unique new rain garden - News releases - News - The University of Sheffield
.
.
.

"Renewables generate more than a quarter of UK electricity, beating coal and nuclear"

The renewable energy trade association RenewableUK has just released this statement, based on the government's latest statistics for the industry:


Renewables generate more than a quarter of UK electricity, beating coal and nuclear - latest stats

24 September 2015

RenewableUK is highlighting new statistics which show the increasingly fundamental role that renewable energy is playing in generating electricity for British homes, offices and factories – despite mixed messages from Government on whether it supports clean energy.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has just published statistics covering the second quarter of 2015, showing that from April to June renewables generated 25.3% of UK electricity. 42% of this came from onshore and offshore wind. Wind generated 10.7% of the country’s needs.

For the first time in a quarterly period, renewables beat coal which generated 20.5%. Renewables also outperformed nuclear which provided 21.5%. DECC said this was due to higher wind speeds and increased capacity, with generation increasing by 61.5% onshore and 70.4% offshore compared to Q2 2014. Overall renewable electricity generation increased by 51.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Gas provided 30%.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Maria McCaffery said: “Renewables have now become Britain’s second largest source of electricity, generating more than a quarter of our needs. The new statistics show that Britain is relyingincreasingly on dependable renewable sources to keep the country powered up, with onshore and offshore wind playing the leading roles in our clean energy mix.
“As the transition to clean electricity continues apace, we’d welcome clearer signals from Government that it’s backing the installation of vital new projects. So far, we’ve had a series of disappointing announcements from Ministers since May which unfortunately betray a lack of positive ambition at the heart of Government. If Ministers want to see good statistics like we’ve had today continuing into the years ahead, they have to knuckle down, listen to the high level of public support we enjoy, and start making positive announcements on wind, wave and tidal energy”.

Notes:

1. DECC’s statistics show that in Q2 2015, 6.2% of UK electricity was generated by onshore wind and 4.5% was generated by offshore wind: UK energy statistics: statistical press release - September 2015 - News stories - GOV.UK

RenewableUK | Press Releases - Renewables generate more than a quarter of UK electricity, beating coal and nuclear - latest stats

This is the perspective from the Western Morning News front page today:

Westcountry now makes enough green power on sunny days to be self-sufficient

By WMNJBayley | Posted: September 30, 2015

Comments (3)

The South West is self-sufficient and even able to export electricity on sunny summer days, the region’s renewable industry body has revealed.

The potential power of Devon and Cornwall’s surge in solar energy production is highlighted as new official figures showed that more than a quarter of the UK’s electricity came from renewables this spring.

So-called ‘clean energy’ has for the first time overtaken coal, National Grid the latest data has shown.

Regen South West chief executive Merlin Hyman said the Grid was also “waking up” to the fact that the region could serve local need and power other parts of the country when conditions were right.

“It is clear now that we are generating more at peak times and the National Grid are now waking up to that,” he told the Western Morning News. “Production has increased rapidly in the South West so on sunny, summer days we are generating more than we need and are exporting power back up to the grid.”

Renewables accounted for 25.3% of electricity generation in the second quarter of 2015, up from 16.7% for the same period in 2014, new power data revealed.

This means green electricity overtook coal for the first time, which fell to generating just over a fifth (20.5%) of the UK’s power in the same period. Higher wind speeds, increased amounts of solar panels in places like the Westcountry and a 19.5% increase in rainfall, mostly in May and June, driving hydro to record output, all boosted renewables. The conversion of a second unit of coal-fired power station Drax, in North Yorkshire, to biomass also added to this.

The rise in renewables meant that low carbon technology’s share of electricity generation rose to close to half (46.8%) of the total power supply in the second quarter of the year, despite a slow drop in nuclear output compared to the same period in 2014. Renewables were the second biggest source of power in the second quarter, between April and June, behind gas at 30% of electricity generation.

But the figures come following a series of Government announcements on curbing subsidies to solar and onshore wind, prompting concern it would stunt renewable expansion, halt falling costs of clean technology and lead to job losses.

Mr Hyman said the South West had embraced the technologies and now was reaping the benefits. “The region has really embraced renewables with a wide range of people from farmers to local communities,” he added. “The region has installed a lot of small to medium scale stuff – this is a massive benefit but what the Government is doing is putting that at risk, not by removing subsidy per se but by doing it overnight.”

Reacting to the figures, national trade body RenewableUK Britain is relying increasingly on dependable renewable sources to keep the country “powered up”.

Chief executive Maria McCaffery added: “The new statistics show that called for clearer signals from Government that it was backing new projects. If ministers want to see good statistics like we’ve had today continuing into the years ahead, they have to knuckle down, listen to the high level of public support we enjoy, and start making positive announcements on wind, wave and tidal energy.”

Following the release of the figures a new campaign has urged the Government to rethink cuts to small-scale renewables.

RenewableUK and the Solar Trade Association have launched People Power, which is calling for members of the public, as well as the thousands of renewable energy employees, to petition the Government to provide more stable support to the sector by writing to their local MP and harnessing the power of social media.

Gemma Grimes, director of policy – consents and intelligence at RenewableUK said: “This campaign is about sending a simple message to Government: don’t wreck an industry, which for the first time has given people the power to control their own energy supply. The Feed-In Tariff provides a lifeline to the rural economy, allowing farmers and small businesses to diversify their income and save on their electricity bills, especially during tough economic times. The Government’s actions are in danger of consigning this great work to the past.”

Westcountry now makes enough green power on sunny days to be self-sufficient | Western Morning News

See also:
Regen SW | Regen SW – delivering sustainable energy
.
.
.

Planning applications for almost half of East Devon's housing target are currently 'awaiting decision'

Peter Nasmyth presented his book on East Devon at the recent Budleigh Festival:
Futures Forum: Literature and Landscape in East Devon >>> and 'the areas in East Devon currently threatened with over-development' >>> @ the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival >>> >>> Saturday 19th September

The map of proposed developments has now been published:

Open planning applications in your area

Written by East Devon Alliance on 27-Sep-2015. Posted in EDA news

ShareShare

This map illustrates the research documented in Peter Naysmyth’s book “Literature and Landscape in East Devon” 

(written in support of EDA) and shows areas under significant threat from development applications.

We have researched all the current planning applications with EDDC for large or medium-sized housing developments and a list of them appears after this note. All of these applications have either not yet been considered by the Development Management Committee or do not have a Decision Notice issued (some because of problems in negotiating the financial contribution that the Developer agrees to make to public services). This means that many of these applications will add to the housing numbers in East Devon. The Local Plan is recommending 17,100 dwellings in the next 20 years. But here we see that there are already applications for a total of 7,668 dwellings and a 60-bed care home. That goes a long way to fulfilling the 17,100 target. The key question is will the applications continue to propose housing at this rate or reduce to the EDDC expectation of around 1,000 per year.

The are currently nine large major planning applications with EDDC for permission, which amount to 6,305 dwellings.

Then there are a lot of small major applications and they amount to 1,363 houses and flats plus a 60-bed care home.

Land south of London Road,Rockbeare Ref. No: 15/1825/MOUT Validated: 13 Aug 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application (all matters except access reserved) for demolition of existing agricultural buildings and development of up to 250 dwellings, a local centre providing commercial floorspace of up to 600 sqm (use classes A1,A3,A4 & B1), a community building/cafe of up to 300sqm (use class D1 & A3), public open space/green infrastructure and associated works (Resubmission of application 15/0371/MOUT)	250
Cranbrook Expansion Site East, London Road, Whimple Ref. No: 15/0047/MOUT Validated: 10 Mar 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Up to 1,750 residential dwellings, one 2-form entry primary school, local centre comprising up to 1,000sq m of A1 uses plus A2, A3, A4, A5 uses and up to 1,250sq m B1 Business use. Sports and recreation facilities including children’s play, green infrastructure (including open space), community uses (including non-residential institutions), assembly and leisure, landscaping and allotments. Access from former A30, engineering (including ground modelling and drainage) works, demolition, associated infrastructure and car parking for all uses. All matters reserved except access.	1,750
Cranbrook Expansion Site West, Station Road, Broadclyst Ref. No: 15/0045/MOUT Validated: 10 Mar 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	The expansion of Cranbrook comprising up to additional 820 residential dwellings, one 1-form entry primary school, a cemetery and associated building, sports and recreation facilities including children’s play, an extension to the country park, green infrastructure (including open space), community uses (including non-residential institutions) and cemetery. Access from former A30, landscaping, engineering (including modelling and drainage) works, demolition, associated infrastructure and car parking for all uses. All matters reserved except for access.	820
Cranbrook Expansion Site South, Lane to Treasbeare Farm,Clyst Honiton Ref. No: 15/0046/MOUT Validated: 10 Mar 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	The expansion of Cranbrook comprising up to an additional 1,550 residential dwellings, 40,000 sq m of employment (B1, B2, B8), one 2-form entry primary school, a local centre comprising of up to 1,000sq m of A1 uses plus A2, A3, A4, A5 uses and up to 1,250sq m B1 business use. Sports and recreation facilities including children’s play, green infrastructure (including open space), community uses (including non-residential institutions), assembly and leisure. Access from former A30, landscaping, allotments , engineering (including ground modelling and drainage) works, demolition, associated infrastructure and car parking for all uses. All matters reserved except access.	1,550
Land at Higher Marley Road,Exmouth Ref. No: 14/3022/MOUT Validated: 24 Dec 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application for the construction of 98 residential dwellings and associated parkland and open space seeking approval for access only (matters of appearance, landscape, layout and scale reserved)- Application revised from original submission by reducing site area and removal of access from Marley Drive	98
Mosshayne, land north of Tithebarn Lane, Clyst Honiton Ref. No: 14/2761/MOUT Validated: 18 Nov 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Demolition of the existing buildings and development of the site to provide up to 900 dwellings and a primary school with car and cycle parking, public and private open space together with landscaping and associated servicing (all matters reserved).	900
Friends Provident, Winslade Park,Clyst St Mary Ref. No: 14/2637/OUT Validated: 25 Nov 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Demolition of Brook House and Clyst House and outline application (seeking to discharge means of access only) for up to 237 new dwellings, 1805 sq metres of B1(A) and D1 commercial floorspace, together with replacement sports facilities comprising two football pitches, a cricket pitch and sports pavilion, and associated development including parking and access	237
Land at Goodmores Farm, Dinan Way, Upper Lovering, Exmouth Ref. No: 14/0330/MOUT Validated: 14 Feb 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application for residential development (up to 350 dwellings) with associated roads and open space. The provision of land for mixed-use employment; land for commercial and community uses and land for the provision of a primary school. All matters reserved with the exception of the proposed vehicular access points onto Dinan Way.	350
Old Park Farm Two, West Clyst Ref. No: 13/0001/MOUT Validated: 22 Apr 2013 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of up to 350 dwellings plus associated public open space, landscaping and infrastructure (all matters reserved except access)	350
TOTAL		6,305

The following are the current small major housing applications (which amount to 1,363 houses and flats and a 60 bed care home):

Branscombe Farm, Ebford Lane, Ebford Ref. No: 15/2101/MOUT Validated: 18 Sep 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of 11 no. dwellings (outline application with some matters reserved)	11
83 Salterton Road, Exmouth Ref. No: 15/1938/MFUL Validated: 19 Aug 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Demolition of existing property and construction of 10 no. apartments	10
34 Douglas Avenue, Exmouth Ref. No: 15/1955/MFUL Validated: 24 Aug 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Amendment to approved scheme 14/1542/MFUL (re-development to provide 9 no. new houses and conversion of the existing annexe to 2 no. 3 bedroom dwellings); amendments include additional garages and raising of the approved dwelling	10
Land east of Sidmouth Road, Ottery St Mary Ref. No: 15/1734/MOUT Validated: 19 Aug 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline planning application for the construction of up to 53 no. dwellings incorporating open market and affordable dwellings, together with associated infrastructure (all matters reserved except for access)	53
Land adj. to Slade Farm, Slade Road,Ottery St Mary Ref. No: 15/1663/MOUT Validated: 21 Jul 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline planning application for the construction of up to 52 no dwellings incorporating age restricted open market and affordable dwellings together with associated infrastructure (all matters reserved except for access)	52
Land adjacent The Fountain Head, Berry Hill, Branscombe Ref. No: 15/1291/MOUT Validated: 8 Jul 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application with all matters reserved for construction of 10 no. dwellings (6 affordable, 4 open market) including site access and service road, parking turning areas and footpaths	10
West Hayes, West Hill Road, West Hill Ref. No: 15/1258/MFUL Validated: 24 Jun 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of 10 no. dwellings (including 4 no. affordable) together with associated access and landscaping.	10
Land off Barnards Hill Lane, Seaton Ref. No: 15/1195/MOUT Validated: 27 May 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of up to 20 no dwellings including 25% affordable housing (outline application with all matters reserved)	20
Land to the west of Barn Lane, Budleigh Salterton Ref. No: 15/1118/MOUT Validated: 21 May 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Erection of 60 bed care home, 30 no. houses (40% affordable), 7 no. bungalows, 12 no. affordable retirement apartments and 2 no. live/work units (outline application with all matters reserved)	51
Land adjacent to The Gardens, Clyst Honiton Ref. No: 15/0898/MFUL Validated: 30 Apr 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of 48 no dwellings and new vehicular access off Honiton Road and associated drainage works	48
Oakhay Barton, Stoke Canon Ref. No: 15/0799/MFUL Validated: 30 Apr 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Conversion of existing barns to form 8 no. dwellings including external alterations and provision of car parking	8
Land to rear of no’s 62-82 Douglas Avenue,Exmouth Ref. No: 15/0753/MOUT Validated: 25 Mar 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application seeking approval for access (matters of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping reserved) for up to 44 dwellings and demolition of 76 Douglas Avenue to create new vehicular access	44
Heathfield House, Rosemount Lane, Honiton Ref. No: 15/0612/MFUL Validated: 23 Mar 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Re-development of site for 14 no. dwellings and associated works	14
Land east of Axminster – Southern Area (East of Lyme Road), Axminster Ref. No: 15/0442/MOUT Validated: 13 Feb 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application (access to be considered) for the construction of up to 75 no. dwellings including up to 25% affordable housing, new access onto Lyme Road, open space, landscaping and drainage	75
Land on the east of Axminster (North) North of Weycroft Avenue, Axminster Ref. No: 15/0435/MOUT Validated: 13 Feb 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application (with only access to be considered) for up to 155 dwellings including up to 25% affordable housing, new access onto Chard Road, open space, landscaping and drainage	155
Land east of Axminster – Central Area (East of Beulah Farm), Axminster Ref. No: 15/0436/MOUT Validated: 31 Jan 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application (with all matters reserved) for up to 200 no. dwellings including up to 25% affordable housing, a local centre (A1 to A5 and D1 uses), primary school, highway infrastructure, open spaces, landscaping and drainage	200
Land off Clyst Valley Road, Clyst St Mary Ref. No: 15/0072/MOUT Validated: 12 Jan 2015 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application for the construction of up to 40 dwellings with all matters reserved	40
Land at Frogmore Road, East of Oak Hill,East Budleigh Ref. No: 14/2959/MOUT Validated: 16 Dec 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application for the construction of 21 dwellings (including 40 % affordable housing) with all matters reserved other than access.	21
Friends Provident, Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary Ref. No: 14/2640/MFUL Validated: 15 Dec 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Conversion of the building from current B1(a) office use to 61 (C3) residential units including the removal and making good of the bridge link between Winslade Manor and Winslade House and provision of basement car park.	61
Land at Short Furlong, Beer Ref. No: 14/2621/MOUT Validated: 4 Nov 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of up to 30 dwellings (including upto 40% affordable housing provision) outline application with all matters apart from access reserved	30
Land to rear of Orchard House, Globe Hill,Woodbury Ref. No: 14/2574/MOUT Validated: 4 Nov 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved) for the construction of up to 24 dwellings, community parking and access.	24
Land adjacent Harbour Road, Seaton Ref. No: 14/2372/MFUL Validated: 30 Oct 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of retirement living apartment block (comprising 19 no. 1 bedroomed and 23 no. 2 bedroomed apartments, communal residents’ facilities) and associated car parking and landscaping	42
Land adjacent to Sandycote, Honiton Road, Blackhorse, Clyst Honiton Ref. No: 14/2195/MOUT Validated: 11 Sep 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline application for the construction of up to 44 no. dwellings (with all matters reserved)	44
Land at Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton Ref. No: 14/0557/MOUT Validated: 28 Jul 2014 Status: Awaiting decision	Outline planning application for residential development of up to 150 no. dwellings; access to be considered all other matters reserved	150
Pankhurst Close Trading Estate, Pankhurst Close,Exmouth Ref. No: 13/1230/MFUL Validated: 5 Jun 2013 Status: Awaiting decision	Redevelopment to provide 50 no residential units (including 20 affordable units)	50
Land north of Rowan Drive, Seaton Ref. No: 13/1091/MOUT Validated: 25 Jul 2013 Status: Awaiting decision	Erection of up to 36 no. dwellings (25% affordable) with associated access and parking (outline application with all matters reserved)	36
Salston Manor Hotel, Ottery St Mary Ref. No: 13/0496/MFULValidated: 28 Feb 2013 Status: Awaiting decision	Proposed change of use, alteration and conversion of hotel and demolition and construction of side extension to provide 27 no. residential flats and associated facilities and parking. (Revised proposal)	27
Land adjoining Withycombe Brook, St Johns Road,Exmouth Ref. No: 12/1016/MFUL Validated: 2 May 2012 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of 52 dwellings, comprising a mixture of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom detached, semi-detached & terraced houses, 6 flats and 2 bedroom bungalows (incorporating 20 affordable units); construction of new access off St Johns Road & Hadrians Way, internal access roads, footpaths, cycleways, provision of public open space & associated works , new access bridge over Withycombe Brook.	52
Land adjacent to North Star, Ottery Street,Otterton Ref. No: 11/1597/MFUL Validated: 19 Jul 2011 Status: Awaiting decision	Residential development for 15 dwellings (including 10 affordable) with associated highway access and landscaping (revised layout)	15
Land adjacent The Fountain Head, Berry Hill, Branscombe Ref. No: 10/0921/MFUL Validated: 25 May 2010 Status: Awaiting decision	Construction of 9 no affordable dwellings and one open market dwelling	10
TOTAL		1,363

ShareShare

Tags: Conservation, Environment, Planning

Open planning applications in your area « East Devon Alliance
.
.
.

Solar Plan for Sidmouth: yet another application rejected

Last year, a solar park on the outskirts of Sidmouth was considered:
Plan for solar park in Sidbury’s AONB causes concern - News - Sidmouth Herald
Futures Forum: Solar Plan for Sidmouth: a second application stalls as subsidies are questioned...

It didn't get through:
www.sidmouth.gov.uk/images/downloads/Meetings/planning/PL._MINS._19.11.14.pdf
Futures Forum: Solar Plan for Sidmouth: another application rejected

It has been considerably modified:
www.sidmouth.gov.uk/images/PL._AGENDA_17.6.15.pdf
14/2423/MFUL | Installation of a 4.8MW photovoltaic park with associated infrastructure including inverter stations, transformers, substations, security fence and pole mounted and fixed security cameras (EIA Development with accompanying statement). | Land At Crowpits Coombe Estate Sidbury

This smaller application has also been rejected:
Crowpits, Sidbury Solar Farm 4.8MW (13.46 acres) – Refused « CPRE Devon 

With a report from the latest Herald:

Breaking news & sport in Sidmouth | Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

Climate change: join the Climate March on Dartmoor >>> 29th November

The Paris conference on climate change is looming:
Futures Forum: Climate change: join the global Climate March >>> 29th November >>> Paris and beyond >>>

Last month, there was a gathering on Dartmoor:
Futures Forum: Take a walk on Dartmoor or Exmoor: with 38 Degrees >>> Saturday 15th August

In November, there will be another gathering on the moors:


West’s focus on saving planet will centre on historic Dartmoor tor

By Western Morning News | Posted: September 26, 2015

By Keith Rossiter


Crockern Tor

Dartmoor's ancient Stannary Parliament will be brought back to life this autumn in the battle to safeguard the planet. Crockern Tor, in the centre of the moor, will be the focus for a gathering as part of a "Global Climate March", the day before world leaders gather in Paris for the 2015 Climate Conference.

The march is being co-ordinated by the online organisation Avaaz (which means "Voice" in several languages).

Four Westcountry groups are organising events for Sunday, November 29. Organisers of the Dartmoor event (www.facebook.com/sharedplanetparliament) are inviting anyone to join them. "Walk, cycle or ride a horse to the ancient site of the Stannary Parliament in the centre of Dartmoor," they say.

They are also looking for people to run craft workshops and co-ordinate groups from towns and villages around the moor.

On November 30, world leaders meeting in Paris will start negotiating the next global climate deal. The global march's aim is to push them to commit to 100 per cent clean energy.

In Exeter members of "Alternatiba" are holding a Festival of Alternatives to Climate Change. There will be stalls, demonstrations, talks, and workshops, as well as poetry, music, street theatre and dance at venues near the High Street in Exeter. Find them on Facebook: Alternatiba Exeter

Organiser Maurice Spurway said the aim was "to be part of the greatest mobilisation for climate justice ... ever."

Glastonbury Climate March will see protesters making their voices heard at the Market Cross and in the High Street from 1pm.

Meanwhile, activists in Sidmouth will be holding a "Tree Summit" from 6pm on Sunday, November 29. Robert Crick, the event's host and retired chair of Sustainable Sidmouth, said he was "concerned about the future for my grandchildren".

Find out more at avaaz.org/en

In the eight years since it was formed Avaaz – which means "voice" in various languages – has become a global pressure group to be reckoned with. Its website lists more than 40million "members" worldwide – 1.6million of them in the UK – though membership requires nothing more than giving your email address. It's a new kind of activism, the rise of online protest – otherwise known as "clickativism". Issues range from human rights abuses in Burma to the Great Barrier Reef – whatever its supporters, guided by the Avaaz team, choose to click on most.

HISTORY

Crockern Tor on Dartmoor was the open-air meeting place of the Devonshire Stannary Parliament from the early 14th century until the first half of the 18th century. The Lord Warden of the Great Court of the Devon Tinners supposedly sat on the lower outcrop – on Parliament Rock – during meetings.

West’s focus on saving planet will centre on historic Dartmoor tor | Western Morning News

See also:
1000 Alternatiba
Alternatiba Exeter
350.org – Pacific Climate Warriors at the Alternatiba in Paris.
Alternatiba Festival | Transition Exeter

And:
Avaaz - Climate countdown to Paris -- the Avaaz blog In December 2015, world leaders will meet in Paris to agree on how the world will respond to climate change. 

And:
Crockern Tor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stannary Courts and Parliaments - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.
.
.

Civil society under attack?

It is now two years ago since fears sere expressed that pressure was mounting on 'civil society':

Futures Forum: Concerns for campaigning: Lobbying Bill rejected by Lords

Futures Forum: Concerns about transparency and lobbying continue in East Devon: pt 3

These fears continue to be voiced:

It is the value of a civil society, that’s why a society becomes healthy.

Ai Weiwei tells of his lack of support from British government | Art and design | The Guardian

It is an international issue:

Live Q&A: What will it take to build a global civil society movement?

Join a panel of experts for an online discussion on Thursday 1 October 1-3pm BST to debate how civil society can be protected and strengthened across the world

 

Campaigners against slavery in Mauritania Photograph: JOE PENNEY/JOE PENNEY/Reuters/Corbis

Holly Young @holly_young88

Monday 28 September 2015 

“The role of civil society has never been more important,” said Ban Ki-moon on the International Day of Democracy earlier this month. Highlighting its role in fostering economic and social progress, holding power to account and ensuring diverse social representation, civil society would be crucial to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), suggested the UN secretary general.

The new global goals are a moment of opportunity for civil society organisations. References to strengthening global partnership and building inclusive and accountable institutions are embedded in the 17 SDGs.


7 reasons the SDGs will be better than the MDGs

Read more

Yet civil society space is shrinking around the world. More than 60 countries have recently passed or drafted laws that stifle the activity of non-governmental and civil society organisations. It is a global trend that James Savage from Amnesty International predicts will “intensify in the coming two to three years”.

Can the ambitions of the SDGs be realised in countries where civil society is under attack and in some cases disappearing? What can be done to protect these organisations and amplify the lobbying power of civil society? Is an organised global coalition necessary? And if so, how do we make it happen?

Join a panel of experts discussing these questions and more for an online discussion on Thursday 1 October 1-3pm BST.

The live chat is not video or audio-enabled but will take place in the comments section (below). Get in touch via globaldevpros@theguardian.com or@GuardianGDP on Twitter to recommend someone for our expert panel. Follow the discussion using the hashtag #globaldevlive.

Live Q&A: What will it take to build a global civil society movement? | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Civil society’s role - The Himalayan Times

Time to regulate CSOs - The Nation Nigeria

There is a very powerful group out there, campaigning for 'civil society':

Avaaz is a global civic organization launched in January 2007 that promotes activism on issues such as climate change, human rights, animal rights, corruption, poverty, and conflict; it works to "close the gap between the world we have and the world most people everywhere want."[1] 

The organization operates in 15 languages and claims over forty million members in 194 countries,[1] and The Guardianconsiders it "the globe's largest and most powerful online activist network".[2]

Avaaz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Avaaz - The World in Action

It has now become a new item itself:
Avaaz: The Lobbyist that Masquerades as Online Activism | Global Research - Centre for Research on Globalization

Some of which appears rather hysterical:
Avaaz: Pro-Democracy Group Or Facade For American Imperialism In The Middle East?
Avaaz: Imperialist Pimps of Militarism, Protectors of the Oligarchy, Trusted Facilitators of War | Part I, Section I | Wrong Kind of Green
Avaaz: clicktivist heroes or Soros wolf in woolly disguise? | OffGuardian

Whilst there might indeed be question-marks over any 'lobbyist', it is clear, however, that 'civil society' is under threat in many non-authoritarian corners - which goes way beyond the reputation of any one campaigning group:

Our movement is under threat. Governments worldwide are passing gag laws, prohibiting protest and intimidating or closing down organisations in the biggest crackdown on civil society in a generation.

Avaaz’s power is our voices together. If governments outlaw us or sabotage our strategies, we are done. It’s time to fight back! And there’s a new killer plan to protect the democratic space -- Avaaz lawyers.

Already Avaaz has a tiny, but world-class legal team. Now, to counter this clampdown, we need to build the biggest, baddest crowdsourced pro-democracy law group in the world to challenge repressive laws when they are drafted, and take to court those who try to scare us into silence.

The truth is, in the fight between people and power, the people rarely get a good lawyer, because it's too expensive. That's where we come in. Sometimes just the threat of going to trial can crush these attacks, but in some countries we may need to take on big cases to protect our freedom of expression.

Click to donate just the cost of a meal out and help Avaaz march into court across the world to protect our freedoms. Let’s meet those demonising and attacking our work with fearlessness and resolve: 

To donate another amount, click here.

It isn’t just repressive regimes like Egypt that kick out Avaaz staff. In India, the biggest democracy in the world, Avaaz has been vilified and harassed by the government. In Spain Avaazers could be fined up to 600,000 euros just for organising a peaceful protest. In Israel a draft law threatens to label brave human rights organisations as “foreign agents”, and cut off their international funds. And in Uganda a government body can dissolve any group it doesn’t like!

Over 60 countries now have laws that inhibit non-governmental groups.

We already know this works. When the South African government tried to censor our campaign against the lion bone trade, we took them to court and won a landmark free speech case that set a standard for the whole country. And with enough support, we can together:

• Expand the Avaaz legal team to have top class representation where Avaaz is under attack.
• Build a database of the world's best civil rights lawyers and bring them together to form a pro-democracy law group.
• Develop legal challenges, lawsuits and campaigns to take on the rogues whenever they come after us.

This last decade has seen a surge of people power with the Arab Springs, massive anti-corruption protests in India, Brazil and Spain, and people raising their voices and taking to the streets in droves. These regressive laws show our strength. We can’t now let governments crush an informed and organised citizenship, it is a crucial pillar of democracy.

Our size and global membership already give us an advantage. Click to donate to create a global people-powered legal team to complement our political might:

To donate another amount, click here.

There are moments where risking everything is necessary to preserve the very core of what we have worked so hard to create. That's what we did when taking on powerful media barons in England and government cronies in Canada. That's what we could do now in countries like India and Spain if we raise the funds. It's what we can do everywhere.

SOURCES:Human rights groups face global crackdown 'not seen in a generation' | Law | The Guardian

Spain Gag Law: Protesters Rally Against New Public Demonstration Laws

India cracks down on Greenpeace, other environmental groups - LA Times

Opinion: Why Are Threats to Civil Society Growing Around the World? | Inter Press Service

The Jewish Press » » MK Proposes Israeli Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for NGOs

Avaaz counters accusations of clicktivism and takes on the lion bone trade (Wired UK)
Closing space. Democracy and human rights support under fire (Carnegie Endowment)

Avaaz - Stop the crackdown

See also:
Futures Forum: The Freedom of Information Act and East Devon >>> the story continues
Futures Forum: On psychopaths, politicians and doing business
Futures Forum: Managed democracy: "The deliberate undermining of people's perception of the world, by creating confusion and contradiction ... undermining any opposition to existing power structures ... which leaves us feeling helpless and depressed and to which the only response is: 'Oh dear'."
Futures Forum: "Mounting risks for corruption in UK local government"
.
.
.