Vision Group for Sidmouth AGM 26th June: poster

The Vision Group for Sidmouth

for the sustainable development of town & valley

Annual General Meeting

7.30pm

(Business Meeting 7pm)

Wednesday 26th June

Cellar Bar - Kennaway House

Sidmouth

       

Just what is

“Sustainable Development”?

An evening of debate with speakers from business, government and communities

Refreshments

All Welcome

www.visionforsidmouth.org

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National Park for East Devon and Dorset: next stage

‘Powerful Marketing Opportunity’ for East Devon and Dorset? 

New National Park proposed

There will be an intriguing and possibly far-reaching discussion at next week’s meeting of the District Council Cabinet.   They are to consider a proposal to create a new National Park that would extend from Poole to the outskirts of Exeter, combining AONBs in Dorset with the East Devon AONB.   The plans are very much at an early stage, but the organization promoting the designation, the Dorset and East Devon National Park Group, plan to take their vision forward via Natural England.

The Head of EDDC’s Policy Team, Matt Dickins, has prepared a decidedly negative paper, claiming that a National Park would damage the local economy, and push unwelcome development into other parts of the District.    He seems especially concerned that EDDC would lose their present control over planning -  areas within the new National Park would be administered planning-wise by a new Park Authority.

Members of the public, and local businesses might take a different view.   A new ‘Jurassic’ National Park will almost certainly attract high value tourism and  National Parks are normally associated with good quality employment, sustainable development and planning policy that is respectful of the environment.    Many critics of the EDDC draft Local Plan have complained about the failure of EDDC to draw together a desire for economic prosperity with respect for the countryside.

The juxtaposition of the new Park with the World Heritage Jurassic Coast will undoubtedly create a powerful marketing opportunity, that will stimulate tourism and the ‘Jurassic’ brand.     But there are drawbacks: increased tourism brings prosperity but also  traffic congestion,  and ‘honey pots’.

The Cabinet will be in something of a predicament.    Most authorities would be overjoyed to have the quality of their landscape recognised by such a  prestigious and well known designation.   And thrilled by the prospect of the tourism revenue that will undoubtedly follow: especially at  a time when our town centres are under great pressure.

But a new National Park would also  mean a substantial diminution in the powers presently invested in EDDC…..

‘Powerful Marketing Opportunity’ for East Devon and Dorset? New National Park proposed | Sidmouth Independent News

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Futures Forum cycling meeting 20th May: press release

Vision Group meets key players on cycling

The Vision Group’s Futures Forum has met with key players to hammer out where cycling projects in the valley and beyond are headed.
Last Monday, the Forum’s chair Robert Crick welcomed the County’s Sustainable Transport Officer Zsolt Schuller to a meeting at the Anchor Inn. 
Mr Schuller is currently working on the Devon Cycling Strategy – and meetings such as this will help take local projects forward.
“Investment for cycling will continue in Devon for 2012-15,” he said.
Peter Grainger from Sustrans confirmed that the national cycling group was working with the County on the Sidmouth to Feniton route, which would follow the old railway track, and hoped to have plans in place by the end of the year.
He was able to reassure a resident that plans to take the cycle route through Bulverton Rd should be “taken with a pinch of salt”, though, as the maps were out of date.
In answer to a question from Dave Bramley, chair of the Vision Group, about the management of the project, Mr Grainger said, “I will clarify the position with Sustrans lottery funding for a scoping study in time for the Tour of Britain.”
Jo Elliot, chair of the Otter Trail who have been working with Sustrans, had brought along students Edmund, Harry and Lawrence from the King’s School in Ottery – who have also been campaigning for the Sidmouth to Feniton route.
County Councillor Stuart Hughes, responsible for transport, said, “We have already done some considerable work towards cycling schemes in and around Sidmouth, and the Sidmouth to Feniton route is one that I hope to see progress in the next tranche of schemes from 2015-17.”
He was also able to reassure the meeting that things were likewise moving with the Sidford to Sidbury cycle route and walkway.
County Councillor Christine Channon of Budleigh and Newton Poppleford Parish Council chair Mark Sanders were also interested in the possibility of a link route from Otterton to Ottery.
And newly-elected Sidmouth Town Council chair John Hollick, together with his deputy Geoff Turner, spoke further about the £150,000 promised by the District Council for sport in Sidmouth (see last week’s Herald).
He said that much of the funding could go on cycling projects.
“It is good that EDDC are committed to working with us to make sure that local people have their say about where it gets spent,” he said.
“We hope that as many people as possible will send us their ideas.”
The SVA’s Keith Owen Fund secretary Barry Jones was also on hand, as the SVA are also very interested in cycling projects in the valley.
And finally, members of the public are clearly looking forward to the Tour of Britain coming to Sidmouth in September – “a great opportunity for Sidmouth and for cycling,” as one said.
“I enjoyed the lively debate,” said Peter Grainger of Sustrans at the end of a busy evening. 

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National Park for East Devon and Dorset

East Devon AONB
This is an AONB conserving some of the most unspoilt holiday coast in Britain, yet it also encompasses a surprisingly untouched rural hinterland. It has been a nationally protected landscape since 1963.
The coastal landscapes, stretching from Lyme Regis to Exmouth, show the lush, highly coloured scenery of classic 'postcard Devon'. Devon red sandstone meets the sea in a coastline of sheer high cliffs, steep wooded combes and coves, its line startlingly broken by the white chalk of Beer Head.

The coastline here is internationally important for its geology our 35 mile stretch forms part of the 95 mile long Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site – England’s first natural World Heritage Site.
Inland, the landscape rises to high, flat and surprisingly remote plateaux, often topped by heathland commons, particularly in the west. In the north it breaks into the hilly country fringing Honiton. The plateau is incised by the north-south flowing rivers Axe, Sid and Otter which wind to the sea through quiet, hedge-bordered meadows.
The AONB's estuaries, heaths and cliff top grasslands are important natural habitats and the 'Undercliffs', the spectacular 8 km landslip near Axmouth, are a National Nature Reserve of great geological and wildlife interest. The AONB's headlands and hilltops show many traces of prehistoric settlement.
East Devon AONB | Visit areas of outstanding natural beauty

The East Devon and Dorset AONBs have been working together for some time now:


"The natural beauty of the East Devon AONB landscape, its dramatic World Heritage Site coastline, internationally important habitats and species and its cultural heritage, is conserved, managed and enhanced to support and benefit present and future generations."
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - AONB Management Plan


 

Coastal Corridor
The coastal area is one of the most attractive and important areas for both Dorset and East Devon but also one of the most pressured.  The dynamic nature of the coast, coupled with the increasing impacts of climate change and visitor pressure, present major challenges for the management of the coastal strip.
In recognition of this, a number of organisations like Dorset AONB, East Devon AONB, the National Trust and private landowners, have come together to develop a new and more integrated approach to managing the coastal corridor.  Together, we have developed a new Coastal Corridor Action Plan for the Dorset and East Devon Coast. It will provide a useful framework for working in a more focussed way, making better use of funding and maximising opportunities for communities and businesses.Follow the links below to view the draft Action Plan.
To look at sustainable access along the coast in the long term, In 2009 we commissioned a Waterborne Passenger Transport Scoping Study and now  the stage 2 final report is now available, both which has helped us understand both the constraints and opportunities of transport along the coast and focus action.
Coastal Corridor - Dorset AONB Partnership

And now there are proposals for a new National Park:


Dorset AONB Partnership Board Meeting, 10am, Wednesday 22nd May
Report by: Natural England  
The Dorset and East Devon National Park Group are preparing to submit a proposal to Natural England for consideration of a new National Park. This paper outlines the process that Natural England will follow and the parameters by which National Parks are designated. 
Natural England will be giving initial consideration to suggestions currently received for AONB/National Park designation or boundary variations later this year.
Recent experiences from the New Forest and the South Downs designations: The New Forest always had natural beauty and recreation opportunity but, for many years, National Park designation was not  deemed specially desirable because the area was well protected by New Forest laws and Forestry  Commission land ownership over the core areas. The Government “invited” Natural England to review this position and we were able to make an argument for ‘special desirability’ as well as provide evidence of meeting the two designation criteria. The South Downs originally comprised two AONBs. Natural England were again “invited” by the Government to look again at whether National Park criteria were both satisfied and we found that they were. We provided suitable evidence and designation was confirmed.
www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/assets/downloads/Dorset_AONB_Partnership/Agendas_Minutes/2013-05_AONB_Board_papers_complete.pdf

Other organisations have embraced the proposals:


Support of a proposal for a Purbeck National Park
Posted on by Purbeck Society on April 15th, 2013
Application to designate the Dorset AONB as a National Park
This special area, which is covered by the Dorset and East Devon Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Dorset and East Devon AONBs, is of exceptional landscape, biodiversity, cultural and historical quality and importance. The Dorset Coast and Heaths were considered to be of National Park quality and deserving NP designation in key reports in 1945 and 1947. We understand that only administrative difficulties prevented this designation going forward when other NPs were recommended and designated in the years after 1945.
A National Park on the basis that you propose would, the Society believes, have economic, social and environmental benefits to the area as a whole. Support for a Purbeck National Park - Purbeck Society
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East Devon and affordable housing: November 2012

The District Council has engaged with the Vision Group for Sidmouth on the key issue of housing. 


On 5th November last year, Cllr Jill Elson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Homes and Communities, addressed the VGS Futures Forum at a meeting to consider 
“Housing and Jobs: how to address the real need in the Sid Valley”:

“The Government [has] changed Housing Finance for those Authorities like East Devon who still own their housing. The receipts from Housing rents is in a ‘ring fenced’ account and used to have to pay £6 million to Government per annum to repay the ‘National Housing Debt’ whereas we had to borrow £84 million to buy ourselves out of this arrangement which means we now pay £3 million interest per annum over 30 years. The income from rents (EDDC Collection rate of 99.65%) is used to maintain our 4300 homes but also allows us to use an amount to ‘add’ to our stock. 
“We have built 17 homes and bought ‘off the shelf’ 11 homes, as an example of the future. In these new homes we are charging ‘affordable rents’ which means they are 80% of ‘market’ rents but still within the Housing Benefit guidelines. 
“You will note in the new Local Plan, now out for consultation, that we are requesting a ‘sum of money’ per new development/every single one to provide ‘affordable homes’ which I hope your group would support. 
“It must be remembered that ‘affordable home’ is for all age groups and that the main aim of the Local Plan is to have balanced communities.” 

In the open debate which followed, further points were raised:

> There is general consensus in Sidmouth of the value of ‘mixed development’, a model supported by Cllr Jill Elson with respect to the redevelopment of Port Royal, for example. 
> The trend is moving towards working from home and ‘hot desking’, thus reducing the need for more office-space (cf: Local Plan).
> Defining a ‘balanced community’, gathering information, eliciting creativity, tapping into local expertise – these could all be channelled through a Neighbourhood Forum.
> FF/VGS could play the role of ‘flagging risky ideas’ – research into affordable energy/fuel poverty, over/under occupancy of homes, care of elderly, feasibility of pedestrianisation...
> The viability of the Sidmouth’s hotel sector should be recognised as a ‘gem’ and taken into consideration in planning decisions.
> Sidmouth’s employment is concentrated in tourism and servicing retirees in their homes; start-up units and training are needed on a small scale to support new projects; the example of Honiton’s ‘micro-hubs’ of retirees helping youth to set up in business...
> Sidmouth needs to look to its long-term challenge of caring for the elderly (cf: presentation to and resolution from STC 5th November). 

In a follow-up email to Cllr Jill Elson, District Officers replied in red to points raised:

Firstly, it is clear that the plight of those without adequate housing needs to be addressed (Yes to Homes is a campaign from the National Housing Federation - Yes to Homes http://www.housingvoice.co.uk/downloads/Volume_2.pdf page 30) and it is to be commended that the District Council is concerned about housing future generations of local families (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/facing-up-to-the-planning-challenge.pdf).

It is also to be welcomed that, within current central government policy guidelines, the District Council is pushing hard to see the maximum number of affordable housing provided by developers (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/rpt_dmc_090310_09.2093.mful.pdf page 8). Councillors have been very keen to ensure that any new housing ‘should help in some ways to relieve the situation of local people not being able to afford to live in the local area.’ (Town planners back affordable housing for Sidmouth - News - Eastern Daily Press)

However, whilst there is an obvious need for more housing which local people on average incomes or below can afford to rent or buy and that the District Council has made it clear that its priority is to meet those needs, it is also obvious from cases elsewhere in the UK that, under the current business climate, builders are able to claim that they cannot afford a 40% affordable home quota. To quote a social housing website: ‘The Financial Times has today reported the plans will allow house builders to reduce the proportion of affordable homes they provide… The brokers will work with councils and developers to renegotiate section 106 agreements. These often require builders to produce affordable housing alongside private homes, but developers argue tough economic times mean terms agreed before the recession can make schemes unviable.’ 
House building stimulus planned for September | News | Inside Housing

It is with this in mind that I would like to ask you:

> At reception at Knowle, I noticed recently that the screen is notifying visitors that, out of 1,120 new homes being built at Cranbrook, 300 will be affordable. Again, whilst it is commendable that the District is seeking to provide such opportunities for local residents, this figure does nevertheless fall below the 40% threshold. Would you be able to confirm this? And would you be able to confirm the projected ‘final’ figures for affordable housing at Cranbrook (out of a total of 6,000)? The difference between the figure stated (300) affordable homes will be predominantly made up by another form of affordable housing. This other form of affordable housing is known as ‘affordable by design’ at the time this definition was consistent with the affordable housing policy/ affordable housing definitions , bearing in mind Cranbrook negotiations started at least ten years ago . Things have moved on since then. This affordable by Design element adds 10% to the 30% of traditional affordable housing, 40% in total.

> From the attached document outlining house-building numbers in Sidmouth, it again appears that, amongst the over 500 recently built or currently planned in Sidmouth as of 2006 (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/edlpevidence0107.pdf page 7), the number of affordable homes planned for by the District Council is well below the 40% target. I have attempted to gauge the exact numbers of affordable housing built in the last six years, but cannot verify every single development. Would you be able to confirm the percentage of affordable housing built within this time frame? The proposed Plan intends to seek different percentages of affordable housing in different areas. For example in Sidmouth it is proposed that we seek 50% affordable housing on site and Exmouth only 25% this position reflects land values and as a consequence viability. It is hard to state the affordable housing percentage of every scheme developed over the past 6 years without undertaking a lot of work. It is fair to say that on the whole we have secured 40% on all schemes that trigger the affordable housing requirement.
http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/plg_lp_shvs11.pdf 

> A fundamental problem is that in such an expensive area as Sidmouth, even prices at 80% of the market price are still out of the reach of many residents, as observed by Sidmouth Town Council in its submission to the LDF process last year (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/sidmouth_town_council.pdf point 12): ‘National definitions of ‘affordable housing’ are not appropriate in Sidmouth and great care must be given to ensure that housing is available for all, especially local people’. Would you be able to comment? We always consider what is ‘affordable’ on all affordable housing developments in East Devon. The type of tenure, the percentage of ownership are all considered. For example, a current development in Sidmouth will be offered as an all shared ownership scheme. The percentage that a buyer can purchase reflects the high open market values in Sidmouth, in this particular case a buyer could buy home for as little as 35 / 40% of the market value and then rent the un-owned equity.

> A further basic issue is how to define ‘housing need’. Whilst it is can be argued that ‘the amount of housing proposed at Sidmouth is grossly low compared to its function and size that is likely to undermine the town’s natural growth, the provision of housing and affordable housing,’ (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/lp-2062-3120.pdf page 8), the question remains whether it is the market, as represented by developers and incoming population, which determines the amount of housing ‘needed’. Again, would you be able to comment? The Council seeks to provide affordable housing as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework document. Housing need is identified via the Council’s Housing Register ‘ Devon Home Choice’ this system has been adopted by most Local Authorities and Housing Associations in the South West. It determines who is in housing need and who isn’t by placing the individual in a banding, A being the highest and E the lowest. Population migration , incomes and values etc all contribute to the affordable housing picture. A Housing Market Assessment 2007 ( updated 2011) used all these elements and others to determine the local need, tenure and property types including open market homes. 

> It does appear, therefore, that in order to reach a specific number of ‘required’ housing, a considerably larger number of ‘market’ housing must be built. To quote a major house-builder:
‘The overall housing requirement of 15,000 dwellings does not meet the need identified in the Local Plan evidence base. If the overall housing requirement was increased to provide 17,000 homes to meet the identified need and 40% of this distributed to the 7 main towns, the requirement would increase by an additional 800 new homes. The residual housing requirement for the 7 main towns should therefore be increased to 3,390 dwellings (2,590 + 800).’ (http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/lp-2062-3120.pdf) In other words, to build, say, 3,390 affordable homes in the District, a total of 17,000 should be built (although, again, the mathematics of such a calculation is difficult to fathom). Or, to put it provocatively, any housing above this ‘requirement’ would therefore be ‘surplus to requirement’. Would you be able to comment on this this? The amount of affordable housing will change if the new plan is adopted. This reflects the current difficulties in getting affordable housing delivered. In most cases our towns will only look to seek 25% affordable, instead of the current 40%. All rural areas, including Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton will require 50% this reflects higher land values. Combine this reflection of the tough economic times and the significantly reduce amount of grant funding the outcome will probably mean a reduction in the numbers of affordable housing provided.

Many developers are unable to deliver the 40% affordable housing due to viability concerns. If it’s deemed to be the case once an assessment has taken place by the District Valuer, a reduced percentage can be negotiated. In an attempt to try and secure more affordable housing we have on a number of occasions had an ‘Overage’ clause inserted into the Section 106 Agreement. This clause provides a mechanism that allows for a any additional profit above what has been agreed with the developer and District Valuer to be shared with the Council and developer to contribute towards affordable housing in the district.

> Finally, whilst it is commendable that innovative solutions have been sought (East Devon District Council - Housing Associations; Latest News - Exeter and East Devon Growth Point;  DCH - Investing in people, homes and communities across the south west - Latest from DCH; http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/committee_rept_update_howarth_close_041209.pdf), to what extent has the District Council considered options other than relying on the national house-builders, such as providing local families with low-cost plots to self-build (Ashley Vale self build community, Bristol | Selfbuild Central) and encouraging ‘truly sustainable’, low-impact or zero-carbon building techniques (eg: http://www.homegrownhome.co.uk/pdfs/IsStrawBaleConstructionSuitableforSelf-BuildersinBritain.pdf; UK's biggest Self Build Show | Self Build | Renovation | Home Improvements > National Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2013 > Britain’s love affair with homebuilding continues with the Homebuilding & Renovating Show returning for its 19th year)? I would be grateful if you could provide me with some idea of any longer-term visions for homes which the District Housing Department is currently developing. Thank you.

In most cases the affordable housing provided in East Devon is superior to standard built open market housing, in terms of its sustainable credentials. Affordable housing is usually constructed to at least Code Level 3 for Sustainable Homes, this also helps to ensure they are more economical to run, thus being even more affordable. We are currently working with an developer in the hope of providing Code Level 6 homes , this as far as I’m aware is the first time this type of affordable housing has been provided in East Devon.

The demand for self build homes appears to exist but remains a difficult method of housing to advance. This is due to a number of factors , funding (many mortgage company’s appear to be reluctant to lend on favourable terms.) The lack of appetite from our Housing Association partners compounded by the lack of suitable land has made this type of housing difficult to develop. This type of housing ownership isn’t where the greatest need lies, this has been identified as rented. So as a consequence most housing providers focus on this need. Perhaps self build may be more popular in East Devon once the economy improves and lenders are less risk adverse. 
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Bicton EaRTH Centre

Sustainable Education – Business – Communities

Home | Earth Centre

Bicton EaRTH is a leading centre of excellence for environmental and renewable energy technology education and training for students, businesses and the wider community.

The building has been designed as a working facility to showcase and demonstrate the most up to date renewable technologies, including: 

• Biomass Heating
• Grey Water Systems
• Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps
• Rain Water Harvesting
• Retro-Fitted Wall and Roof Insulation
• Reed Bed Filtration Systems
• Solar PV and Thermal
• Under Floor Heating

We provide a wide range of training, education courses and professional skills development for all ages and abilities. This ranges from industry renewable technology installer courses to vocational qualifications, through to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and bespoke training on specific subjects.

EVENTS

EaRTH offers a unique event, conferencing and meeting venue located in the beautiful East Devon countryside. We offer a versatile space that can be utilised as a 90 seat auditorium, a 50 seat seminar room with external break out area or just as an open space for you to use as you please. We also have an additional private meeting room for up to 12 people. Add in the breathtaking views of Otterton and the Clinton Devon Estate, a free car park for up to 60 vehicles and classic West Country catering and EaRTH will leave you and your guests to reflect on an excellent experience.

To arrange a visit or enquire about availability, catering options and hire prices please contact us.

CONSULTANCY

As a multi-disciplinary training and demonstration facility Bicton EaRTH provides a unique platform to provide sustainable solutions for clients across all sectors. The EaRTH Advisory & Consultancy service draws together a network of leading practitioners and organisations operating throughout the South West and beyond. Our collective expertise extends across a wide range of sectors and our members share the same vision, passion and enjoyment for advancing sustainability. Our ethos is to provide independent, impartial, high calibre services that deliver robust solutions and value for money to our clients. We offer added value through our ability to provide bespoke training and CPD as part of our work. We deliver innovative, impartial and commercially competitive solutions for our clients.

Please contact us to find out more.

CONTACT

Graham Waddell - Head of EaRTH

 info@bictonearth.co.uk

 01395 562360 or 01395 562403

 EaRTH, Home Farm, Bicton College, East Budleigh, Devon EX9 7BY

EaRTH | Bicton College

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The Knowledge

Stimulating, informed, helpful reports from the Distict Council, which do not shy away from difficult issues. This is from the most recent from 31st May 2013: 
www.eastdevon.gov.uk/the_knowledge_310513_issue_2.pdf

In the press

 Grass verge wildlife ‘destroyed by councils’

Councils in the UK are destroying wildlife habitats by cutting grass verges too often. That is the warning from wildlife charity Plantlife who said verges support hundreds of species of flowering plants and should be cut twice a year. But the LGA said keeping verges shorter was safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Cllr Mike Jones, Chair of the LGA’s

Environment and Housing Board, said: “Keeping road verges well maintained ensures that motorists have a good line of sight and allows pedestrians to walk more safely alongside busy roads. It also prevents weeds and foreign species from spreading into private gardens.”

Futures Forum: Devonshire hedgerows and verges - and national guidance on cutting

 High Street planning changes criticised by councils

The revised planning rules that have come into force in England could lead to new “clusters” of betting shops and money lenders, according to local councils. The LGA warned the Government’s attempt to boost economic growth and revive high streets could cause “lasting damage” to town centres. The changes will allow shops to switch use without planning permission for the next two years. Cllr Mike Jones, Chair of the LGA’s Environment and Housing Board, said: “We have been clear that if we are to get people back out shopping in their local town centres we need to give them more say on what type of businesses and shops open there. Instead from today they will have less. This blanket national policy will make it easier than ever for High Streets to become ghettos for clusters of 'here today, gone tomorrow' money lenders and betting shops." Cllr Jones appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live and LGA Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to discuss the issue.

LGA in the media | Local Government Association

Events

Ø  Tree Walk at Membury

Monday 3 June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Learn about the trees of Membury with the EDDC Tree Officers.

Free event, but booking required; call the Countryside team on 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk

A full programme of events at:

http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/june_july__events.pdf

BBC - Devon - In Pictures - East Devon Pebblebed Heaths

Devon Wildlife Trust | East Devon Heath Week - 29 Jul-3 Aug

And this is from February 2011: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/the_knowledge_040211_issue_36.pdf

LG Knowledge

Ø  Environmental sustainability: compare renewables

As of August 2010, local authorities can sell electricity to the national grid. This has created opportunities for councils to generate sustainable energy, cut energy costs, lower residents' fuel bills, create local jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Access a new online resource from LG Improvement and Development that is designed to help you decide which renewable energy technologies are appropriate for your area. It includes information on how they work, costs, timescales and local authority case studies.

Home | Local Government Association

Compare renewables | Local Government Association

Ø  Going green – a radical approach to local leadership

The German city of Freiburg is one of Europe's fastest growing. It is also one of the continent's leading eco-cities. Read an article by Professor Robin Hambleton that shares the key lessons of how Freiburg has successfully tackled climate change. Find out how it has built a community that is both energetic and innovative in its green activism.

Going green: A radical approach to local leadership - eg magazine

www.urbananswers.co.uk/downloads/climate change.pdf

Next Localism

Ø  Next Localism: Five trends for the future of local government

 

New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank that seeks to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. This report is part of its programme of research and innovative policy projects, which it hopes will be of use to policy makers and practitioners.

Local government stands on the verge of immense change. Financially, the picture is grim, as local public services face cuts on a scale not seen since the 1920s. By 2015, council-owned leisure centres, museums and theatres could be a distant memory, refuse collection will probably be cut to the bone and even social care and education will start feeling pinched. But for all the bleakness of the economic situation, there is also an opportunity for local government. The new localism that NLGN has championed for the past decade aimed to convince ministers to devolve more power to councils. Now that case has been successfully made, localists need to reassess their agenda. This report aims to kickstart that process.

Next Localism: Five trends for the future of local government

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