Bioregional One Planet Living brainstorm initial notes.

On Wednesday 3 TTBrixtonites joined people from Lambeth Regeneration and Sustainability teams, Stock Woolstencroft the architects/Master Planners, and consultants from Bioregional to brainstorm how we can build future sustainability right throughout the Master Plan. Download the initial notes. Some of them are a bit cryptic but there are some good ideas in there.

Other Urgent Built Environment Consultations

Friday 14 March for ideas for community benefit projects that might be funded out of Section 106 planning gain money that Lambeth gets out of big developers doing work in the area.

Monday 17 March to identify any planning issues or policies that need revising in the Local Development Framework (see section below), the planning bible that will replace the current UDP in 2009. It is important that TTB puts down markers that tackling climate change and preparing for an energy lean world are central issues for planning.

Weblinks to follow. For the moment please prepare your input and contact info@transitiontownbrixton.org about where to send it.

FUTURE BRIXTON consultation

1. FUTURE BRIXTON is the plan for physical regeneration of the Brixton Area. TTB has been asked to be present at the consultation workshops to inform people about the issues of Climate Change and Peak Oil and make sure they are present in the discussions. The first workshop is this Saturday 9 February, 2-5pm in the Assembly Room in Lambeth Town Hall and will be focussing on Brixton High Street. The consultation will start with a Visioning Framework, which is not yet online. The research information informing the consultation is available here. You can contact FUTURE BRIXTON with your comments. The questionnaire is not yet online.

In-depth workshop sessions will look at the overall proposals as well as specific area projects. Sessions will last approximately 2 ½ hours and refreshments will be provided. To book a place please call on 0800 052 6336 or email

  • High Street area – Saturday 9 February, 2–5pm, Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall
  • Somerleyton Road area – Tuesday 19 February, 7–10pm, Southwyck Hall, Moorlands Road
  • Brixton Hill area – Thursday 21 February, 7–10pm, Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall
  • Brixton Exchange area – Saturday 23 February, 12 noon–3pm, Karibu Centre, Gresham Road
  • Brixton Station Road area – Wednesday 27 February, 7.30–10pm, Brixton Rec
  • Brixton Markets area – Saturday 1 March, 12 noon–3pm, Karibu Centre, Gresham Road

Lambeth has recently commissioned Bioregional Development Group (creators of Beddington Zero Energy Development or BedZED) to build their One Planet Living framework into the Master Plan This is very positive news. One Planet Living has 10 principles:

  1. Zero carbon
  2. Zero waste
  3. Sustainable transport
  4. Sustainable materials
  5. Local and sustainable food
  6. Sustainable water
  7. Natural habitats and wildlife
  8. Culture and heritage
  9. Equity and fair trade
  10. Health and happiness

TTB can inform the specifics and make sure that we insist on designing for localisation and genuine zero carbon. This is an opportunity for working groups to draw up the principles of future design out of their visioning so far and any specific ideas that will contribute to a better low energy future Brixton, a genuine sustainable community. See and add to ideas below.

Meetings re: Future Brixton on 8th April 2008

Ideas for the FUTURE BRIXTON consultation

Future Functional Brixton

Local Development Framework

2. The Local Development Framework consultation. The LDF is the core strategy that will replace the Unitary Development Plan as the key policy document by which future planning decisions will be judged. It will include area action plans. Consultation on various key aspects of this is happening now. It is imperative that TTB has imput to this or a 'future inappropriate' set of planning policies may be set in stone. The consultation on Issues and Options for the core strategy will begin very soon and will be short. If you would like to input to that please email planningpolicy@lambeth.gov.uk and you will be put on a mailing list and sent information as it come out. TTB wants to organise a coordinated response from each working group to inform the whole agenda but individuals contributions are also important. TheLocal Development Scheme document sets out the plan and timetable for the various parts.

Report back from Open Meeting, Assembly Room,1.10.07

Margaret Creer(convenor), Phil and (please fill in)

The Vision for the Future

  • Brixton twinned with a rural area to provide much wind, solar and perhaps tidal energy
  • All old buildings in brixton retrofitted with appropriate insulation, heating etc
  • All new buildings, which will nevertheless be affordable, perfectly insulated, using local sustainable materials
  • Efficient use of waste water
  • People will have high degree of self-sufficiency in maintenance
  • Excellent planning and design ensuring that buildings are centred round community hubs with good shops etc AND/ OR that good transport inks and safe cycling are provided

How Will it Work to Make a Really Good Operation?

  • TTB influencing the council and to some extent central Government and the EU
  • TTB drawing on ideas from, and supported by, other Transition Towns
  • Consultation of stakeholders will be key
    • Residents' groups
    • Businesses
    • All owners of buildings - schools, council, individuals

Steps

  • TTB approach Council with the Woking Standards for new build
  • TTB press for incentive schemes for energy-saving measures eg council tax reduced
  • TTB press for twinning with a rural area

Steps that Might be Taken Immediately

  • Bulk buy some insulation - get it sponsored
  • Identify people in TTB with Victorian property they're about to redecorate
  • Use Parity Projects as adviser
  • Find out General Election candidates' positions on building insulation etc

Afterthought re the second and third to last bullets: What seems key is that, starting with the people in the Built Environment group we each start to identify and implement concrete changes to make our homes more energy-efficient. These changes will range from draught proofing right up to maximum insulation etc as provided by Parity Projects. If we can't find anyone who wants to do major stuff, maybe we need to seek them out, advertise or whatever