Green Issues Newsletter - 26 July 2002
Prescott plans massive expansion of affordable
housing plans
A ‘radical change’ was promised by the government in a recent white
paper, and with John Prescott’s intentions to massively increase housebuilding
and cut out Structure Plans, it certainly looks as if this is what we will get.
Plans are to build 200,000 new homes in the south-east and for the north
to receive large cash injections aimed to regenerate areas of dereliction
and redevelop the large surplus of housing. With unelected regional development
agencies set to replace county councils in making strategic planning decisions,
it is clear - though Mr Prescott avoided saying so - that the decision had
been made due to the majority of councils falling short (by large numbers)
in delivering the housing that national planners agree is deemed necessary.
Described as ‘Stalinist’ by the Conservatives and as attempting
to ‘destroy Green Belts' by environmental campaigners, the Deputy Prime
Minister’s determination to resolve the housing crisis and reform the
planning process with the biggest shake-up in planning since 1947, has been
met with controversy and opposition by more than simply the county councils.
A key message rings through. Consultation from now on will not only be
useful, but vital. Housebuilders will be asked to provide evidence of the
degree of consultation with the community on development proposals. If the
plans become law, ‘The Deputy Prime Ministers proposals could provide
a tremendous opportunity, also a very real challenge,’ says Green Issues’ Director
Ian Thorn, ‘developers unable to engage and consult communities will
find life increasingly difficult.’
If we thought consultation was vital before, then it is nothing compared
to its importance now.
An increased knowledge and practice in consultation is what will enable
planners to benefit most effectively, and substantially, from the changes
that are about to take place.
Government plans for air travel growth
Alistair Darling’s plan to massively expand Britain’s airports
has unleashed a torrent of opinion in the form of both approval and outrage.
While many business leaders agree that the plans are not only ‘courageous’ but
necessary with many airports practically bursting at the seams, the green
lobby have retaliated by describing the aviation industry as the ‘lumbering
monster’ which is ‘well and truly out of control’.
The proposals are certainly ambitious: six extra runways, three new airports
and a new terminal are planned across the UK to cope with a massive 500 million
passengers a year. Rumours are also ripe that Stanstead could be expanded
to a size larger than Heathrow.
The Environmentalists’ fear, however, is that it will not only be
the expansion which will take place on a colossal scale but indeed that the
impact to the environment could be – in light of their earlier comments – ‘monstrous’.
They may be right. The destruction of hundreds of homes, ancient monuments
and listed buildings, and vast tracts of the Green Belt will be required
to accommodate the Transport Secretary’s plans.
There is no doubt that expansion is inevitable, as our insatiable
appetite for travel steadily rises and with Britain now being the fourth
largest economy in the world. Tom Curtin, Managing Director of Green Issues
Communications, states,
‘As Alistair Darling outlines, doing nothing is not an option, as
delays would increase and costs to airports would soar. However, the environmental
effects should not be ignored. At a point where the campaigners and airports
will be at loggerheads, it has never been more important for the two to consult
upon the issues concerned.’
As Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry
stated this is not about ‘big business versus the little guy’.
Yet it is of the utmost importance that the situation is perceived in this
light by the communities affected, and not simply the industry itself.
Communication is key
As outlined in our recent report (available for download here),
consultation is essential for a healthy relationship between businesses and
communities.
For more information, please contact our Business Development Executive, Lisa
Turner on 0118 959 1211.
Green Issues Communications
Alexandria House
3- 5 Castle Street
Reading RG1 7SB
Tel: 0118 959 1211
Fax: 0118 959 8244
Managing stakeholder communications
greenissues.com munication
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