The party season starts

Party Conferences kick off with the Lib Dems in Brighton
The party conference season starting this weekend gives councillors and activists their chance of fame and fortune. With Iraq dominating proceedings as far as the news media are concerned, there is still plenty to occupy the minds of delegates attending the annual seaside jamborees - for many of them, a busman’s holiday.

Indeed, the lessened importance of the conferences as decision-making forums is shown by the recall of Parliament to discuss (but not vote on) Iraq - right in the middle of the Liberal Democrats’ Conference. This is doubly ironic, as the Lib Dems are the only party whose conferences have a binding, decision-making function. Expect heated debates on public services and education, and on a rural policy paper which covers the issue of GM food. For Lib Dem councillors, the coming year offers a host of discussion on planning and local government policy, and it will be interesting to look at emerging proposals as an alternative to Government plans - especially if new planning laws get a rocky ride through the House of Lords.

To the grassroots politicians wanting their slice of the democratic cake, the week by the sea is a key test of how much the party is listening to them - a key motivator when their council seats are next up for election. The Labour Conference in Blackpool is a classic case in point, but the event is a far cry from the stories of old - of blood on the floor and composites formed in smoke-filled rooms. There will be some genuine discussion - notably over Iraq - but the real debates will occur on the fringe, and it will be interesting to see how the recent Select Committee report attacking local government ‘modernisation’ resonates with a wider audience.

The Conservatives have always treated their conference as a glorified rally, and this year they take a huge break with tradition. Out goes morning debate altogether, replaced by coverage of Iain Duncan Smith touring schools and hospitals around Bournemouth (this year). A glitzy new set is promised, but will it convince the commentators that the Tories are heading for power once again? And will the activists like it? It remains to be seen.

Most importantly, however, the conferences offer 10,000 political activists and many more exhibitors, journalists and others the chance to do something they enjoy - talking about politics, largely in the bar. Party conferences are reputedly second only to the Licensed Victuallers for alcohol consumption - and a myriad of fringe sessions, debating all manner of environment- and planning-related issues.

Green Issues on the move

Green Issues has now moved offices, but don’t panic – all our contact email addresses, telephone and fax numbers remain the same. Our new address is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Newbury Breakfast Seminar

On Friday 20 September 2002, we held our third seminar of the year at the Donnington Valley Hotel in Newbury. The event was a great success and our thanks to all that were able to attend and make it so interesting and enjoyable.

Our guest speaker was Newbury MP David Rendel, who delivered a fascinating speech focusing onresponsible development. He drew on examples such as the once contentious Newbury bypass, an issue with which he was heavily involved. Following David’s thought provoking speech, a lively debate ensued with questions and examples coming from a wide range of developers who were present.

David Rendel was elected as a Member of Parliament for Newbury on 6 May 1993, with a majority of 22,055 - still the largest Liberal or Liberal Democrat Westminster majority in history. He is a widely respected senior member of the Liberal Democrat team and comes from the heart of the party, having served as a local councillor for Newbury District Council in 1987 and then again in 1991 when he was re-elected. He is a seasoned and successful campaigner on a wide range of issues from development to education and is a keen environmentalist.

In 2001, David was appointed as the Liberal Democrats’ frontbench spokesman for Higher and Further Education. He was previously the Lib Dem spokesperson for housing (1997) and also for local government (1993 - 1997).

Our next seminar will be held on 15 November 2002 at the Thurrock Hotel, Aveley, Essex. We will have a prominent local politician to discuss and initiate a lively debate on development and local issues. If you would like to attend this free breakfast seminar then do please contact Lisa on 0118 959 1211 or email lisat@greenissues.com

Quarrying - An Industry under threat?

Quarrying and mineral extraction is one of the UK’s major industries, but it faces a huge range of pressures – from government intervention, to local protest. Its activities inevitably have an impact on the environment, from the initial removal of material from the ground, to its transport elsewhere. However, even though it plays an essential part in other major industries such as construction and housebuilding, all too often the negative aspects of the industry are highlighted rather than its benefits.

The industry is also now having to cope with the Aggregates Levy, first proposed by Labour in 1997, which came into force 1 April 2002. The levy is seen as a serious threat to the viability of large sections of the industry. In many cases, it is claimed that aggregates can now be imported cheaper from countries such as Norway and France. The levy is also believed to discriminate against inland rural quarries, which are totally dependent on road transport, and to favour coastal quarries. Ironically, while the already heavily regulated and environmentally sensitive UK industry suffers, the benefits will be felt by companies overseas with far less stringent standards which can compete on an uneven playing field.

So where is the money raised going? In April 2002, Michael Meacher, Environment Minister, launched the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, which aims to ‘reduce damage to the environment from extracting aggregates such as sand, stone and gravel used in construction’. The fund is financed by a levy of £1.60 per tonne of aggregates which is substantially higher than similar levies elsewhere in the EU. For example, in France the figure is 6p. It was introduced partly as a result of pressure from environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth and the CPRE – no friends of quarrying.

There are now over 700 quarries in the United Kingdom producing sand and gravel, and 512 producing hard rock. Although these figures seem substantial, it is salutary to note that in 1960, there were over 5,000 quarry companies, which had reduced to 3,000 by 1970. Output varies, with 289 quarries extracting up to 50,000 tonnes of sand and gravel per year, and one producing over 1 million tonnes; 170 sites produce up to 50,000 tonnes of hard rock, and 19 over 1 million tonnes per year. However, although there are some 200 private quarry companies, the market is dominated by five major companies which account for 90% of the total.

The industry is huge, and its environmental impacts cover wide areas, such as transport, especially HGV movements to more localised effects of noise and dust or wildlife and the natural environment. Former quarries can be used for creating recreational facilities, for refuse disposal (with further environmental effects to be considered) or for housebuilding. However, as the population becomes more sophisticated in its approach to dealing with environmental matters, the problems for the quarrying industry increase. Nevertheless, consultation and dialogue with all affected stakeholders is essential – at an early stage.

Whatever the state of operations, from creation to amendment of planning or reinstatement, consultation is essential. Whether it is establishment of a local liaison committee, or an assessment of CSR (by which we mean community, rather than corporate, social responsibility), Green Issues can advise, based on our extensive experience in dealing with environmentally sensitive projects and their impact on local communities. Our clients include quarrying companies and our successful projects include successful redevelopment of former quarries – including overturning a refusal of a major housebuilding scheme without substantially reworking the application, but following consultation with key local players.

To hear more about our approach to quarrying and managing its environmental impact, and the part community consultation can play, contact Harry Hudson on 0118 959 1211

Methodology in our management...

Green Issues Communications is a specialist consultancy that was established nearly four years ago precisely because we had seen how projects have failed because companies have neglected to involve communities in their projects from the outset - in other words, to consult in the true meaning of the word.

The Green Issues team specialises in all aspects of stakeholder liaison and management. We believe in working with stakeholders, particularly those who can become third party advocates for projects. We have devised methodologies for identifying and mobilising TPAs.

If you would like further information on how we work, or to have an informal meeting (with no obligation) to find out how we could help you with your projects, contact Lisa Turner on 0118 959 1211.

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