Otak’s Post

England is likely to have a new national park and it could take up to five years to see the light of day.   Is this good news for Britain? Dartmoor National Park Authority's chief executive, Kevin Bishop, thinks so, but he cautions that a new national park should not be created at the expense of others.   The creation of a new national park was a Conservative manifesto pledge to halt the decline of nature. However, we can wonder if this is just a marketing and publicity stunt by the government, knowing that the country is facing serious problems such as: -      the pollution of coastlines and rivers by water companies and their sewage (Surfers Against Sewage); -      The legal battle for the 'right to roam' in England's countryside; -      Government funding for national parks has fallen in real terms, forcing cuts in services and staff...   Labour's shadow environment secretary, Steve Reed, said that under the Tory government, Britain had become 'one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world'.   And you, what do you think? #nationalpark #england #sewage

Do you live along a shoreline? Then concerns about the impacts of sea-level rise and coastal erosion on your property may be on your mind. Canada’s Green Shores for Homes initiative may present an insightful way to help protect your home. The program recognizes the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems, and encourages property owners to adopt eco-friendly practices during planning, construction and renovation of homes near the ocean. By creating natural shoreline buffers, using native vegetation, and incorporating eco-sensitive design that aims to minimize environmental impacts, homeowners can build resilience while safeguarding natural ecosystems. See: https://lnkd.in/euF7T6qX and https://lnkd.in/eFJzPAYW #GreenShores #restoration #EcosystemRestoration #GenerationRestoration

https://lnkd.in/dagKfBSc Isn't it great when a project keeps on giving. Thirty years ago last month we held the North Arncliffe Charrette, the first in NSW. Bob Meyer and Peter R (for Robinson) were the lead consultants and the charrette team included Paul Murrain, Wendy Morris, Chris Stapleton, David White and others that I never see on LinkedIN (but let me know if you're out there). As the Director of Planning for Rockdale CC, my objectives were to: 1. Extend the planned airport rail line to the East Hills Line where it crossed the Main Southern Line, giving a very powerful (in urbanist terms) focus to the redevelopment of North Arncliffe (now named Wolli Creek); 2. Divert the freeway from as much of the Wolli Creek valley as could possibly be achieved (thankyou The Hon. Carl Scully); 3. Protect Tempe House, its chapel and gardens; and 4. Demonstrate the value of rezoning North Arncliffe for a high density transit oriented development (#TOD). We achieved all of that and, when the rezoning was assured, the project passed first to Landco (David Chandler OAM) who secured the masterplan and then to a Landcom-Australand JV that I helped to set up thanks to the support of Sean O'Toole (I was at Landcom by then). When it was clear that it would be profitable Australand bought out Landcom and then Australand morphed into Frasers who delivered the project (well done Rod Fehring, Nigel Edgar and team). There is now just one building left to complete. Now Wolli Creek Park has been increased in area by about 10% to 45 Ha (thanks Minister Penny Sharpe) and it directly links with the Cook River open space and park network at its eastern end (see the link for a plan showing the acquired lands). All we need now is that long-promised footbridge to connect Discovery Point to Waterworth Park (please note Rod Fehring and Minister Sharpe).

Important new for all those interested in wild land. Where will it be and what might the practical implications of a new National Park in Scotland?

I was excited to support Kara Meyer and the + POOL team through this article by Sarah Amandolare. What's happening in New York has relevance for aspiring #SwimmableCities around the world. In late 2019, a few months before starting Regeneration Projects , I visited the + POOL team and to witness their journey since is nothing short of inspirational. 'New York’s efforts are encouraging an international urban swimming movement, according to Matt Sykes, founder of Regeneration Projects. The Australian environmental consulting firm created a swimmable cities handbook with advice gleaned from projects like +Pool. Plans are underway for the inaugural global swimmable cities summit in Paris next year. A swimmable cities charter signed by about 30 international nonprofits, companies, and universities is also being finalized. The charter will further guide the use of urban waterways for swimming—including the need to “rewrite the rules” as New York has begun to do, Sykes said. “The charter is about creating a common narrative and principles,” he added. ”It’s going to be up to city leaders to say, ‘We’re up for this challenge.’”' Keep an eye out for the launch of the first ever Swimmable Cities Charter just before the #ParisOlympics! In the meantime, get involved: 1. Check out the article in Fast Company 2. Download the Swimmable Cities Handbook - https://lnkd.in/dC2-SvNA 3. Listen to the latest podcasts in our new '10 Steps towards a #SwimmableBirrarung (Yarra River)' - https://lnkd.in/du9zZN9R UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration #GenerationRestoration #Community

Appeal success We are very pleased to share that our appeal on behalf of Blenheim Estate against West Oxfordshire DC refusal of a hybrid application for new housing on an allocated site in Woodstock has been allowed, together with a partial costs award.   Represented by Sarah Reid KC and presenting our planning, landscape and heritage evidence, we were able to demonstrate that the proposal presents a high quality and well-integrated extension of the town, creating a safe and connected community.        The Inspector followed our arguments that any harm to the setting of the Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site and RPG was minor in magnitude, that the effect on the landscape character and setting of Woodstock would be no greater than minor adverse and that these harms were far outweighed by the substantial benefit of delivering 180 market, affordable and custom build new homes.    The Inspector also acknowledged the benefits of an operationally carbon net zero development, with large areas of public open space and significant biodiversity net gain.   Planning | tor&co Landscape | tor&co Heritage | tor&co Affordable Housing | tor&co Counsel | Kings Chambers Design | Pollard Thomas Edwards Infrastructure | DTA Transport Planning Ecology | BGS Ecology Drainage | Infrastruct Cs Limited Legal | Knights   #planning #planninginquiry #planningappeal #success #heritage #newhomes #housing #carbonnetzero #biodiversitynetgain #affordablehousing #landscape #residential

Absolutely delighted with this positive result for Pollard Thomas Edwards the tor&co design team, and most of all our clients Blenheim Estate. It was extremely hard fought - but the outcome has been the go-ahead for a new zero carbon neighbourhood set in the heart of the Cotswolds. At the core of our design is a network of tightly planned and landscaped car-free residential lanes leading to a "green living room". The car-free approach has been unlocked by our parking barn (an innovative shared covered parking area and a first we believe for a UK rural community) used in combination with small landscaped squares. Car infrastructure typically takes up 40% of new residential developments. At this development the figure is more like 14%. Game changing we think! 50% of the homes will be affordable. They are designed to meet Passivhaus standards and combine contemporary detailing with the local rural vernacular and extensive use of local oolite limestone.

Skyline Enterprise Ltd's vision to transform Kilvey Hill into a £40m leisure hub is stirring conversation. On one hand, it heralds a significant economic boost with a cable car and zipline attraction nestled amidst Swansea's historic landscape. Local business advocates envision an economic renaissance. 🚡💼 Yet, we're urged to pause - what is the price of progress? Campaigners argue this endeavour could indeed "trash" our treasured green spaces and disrupt local wildlife, severing a connection to a simpler, natural heritage. 🌲🐾 The balance between economic development and ecological conservation is delicate. Can this innovative project co-exist with the hill's historical grandeur without compromising its integrity? Swansea council's commitment to public consultation reassures that every voice can shape the final decision. What's your take on this transformative project? Will it be a jewel in Swansea's crown, or a step too far for our green legacy? 🗨️ Share your thoughts below. ⚖️ Let's weigh development with preservation. #Swansea #Planning #TownPlanning

Have you ever asked yourself "Should I own a piece of land on St. Croix?" Well, here's why we think it is such a fantastic investment: ✅Endless Development Opportunities: Whether you dream of building a home, starting a farm, or launching a business, owning land gives you the freedom to make it happen. Zoning requirements and guidance from a REALTOR® ensure you're on the right track for all the possibilities your mind can dream of. ✅Freedom and Privacy: Enjoy the luxury of privacy on your own property. With the ability to fence your property, you can relax and roam without prying eyes. St. Croix's large land parcels offer plenty of space to create your ideal oasis. ✅Environmental Benefits: Owning land allows you to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. You can preserve natural habitats, plant trees, and even enjoy the fruits of your labor, quite literally, with St. Croix's fertile soil perfect for farming. Ready to explore the possibilities? We have around 10 active land listings waiting for you. Let's start your land ownership journey together! #LandProperties #StCroix #LandOwnership

As the need to create more sustainable communities continues to move up the placemaking agenda there is an ever growing desire on the part of both landowners and housebuilders to create ‘legacy developments’ – adhering to principles of high quality design and construction that will benefit future generations. The idea of legacy is, of course, nothing new. But the concept has evolved in recent years so that landowners can exert a degree of control in the design, construction and management of projects, creating a positive lasting impact in their communities while also delivering the required financial, social and environmental returns.