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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Coastal Access Described as an Indefensible Waste of Money
The Government’s decision to push ahead with a costly coastal access scheme has been condemned as an indefensible waste of money by the CLA, the rural economy people.
CLA South West Director John Mortimer says it is incomprehensible that Natural England is busy slashing funding which provides voluntary access arrangements and school visits to farms under stewardship schemes on the one hand while on the other pressing ahead with a project which will bring virtually no public benefit and cost millions of pounds to implement.
“At a time when we are seeing expenditure chopped from many important services it just defies belief that Natural England is being allowed to invest so much money in coastal access when it simply cannot be justified on the basis of need.”
Natural England is planning to boost access beside Weymouth Bay in time for the 2012 Olympics and to follow that with five other 20-mile stretches around the coast – including one between Minehead and Stert Point in Somerset and others along the south coast. CLA advisors met recently with landowners affected by the Weymouth Bay proposals to hear their concerns.
The Weymouth Bay proposals are out for consultation until January 10 but CLA Regional Surveyor, Charlotte Sealy, said that more than a dozen local landowners had attended a recent CLA meeting – and all of them shared serious and genuine concerns about the way in which Natural England planned to implement coastal access.
Weymouth Bay, she said, was already well served by the South West Coast Path and by many permissive and voluntary agreements as well as statutory right of way. At one point there are three separate routes through a single field – a statutory footpath, the South West Coastal Path and now the new route.
“This duplication of access comes at immense cost to the public purse. Despite its promises to do so, Natural England has neither listened – nor intends to listen – to the concerns of private individuals about the impact of this legislation on their lives, business and property. It calls the whole of the Government’s priority and decision-making process seriously into question. If the Government felt it necessary to spend money on access, then it should concentrate on ensuring that the access we already have is properly signed, maintained and kept up to scratch,” said Mr Mortimer.
For Further Information Contact:
Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345
For Further Information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
CLA South West Director John Mortimer says it is incomprehensible that Natural England is busy slashing funding which provides voluntary access arrangements and school visits to farms under stewardship schemes on the one hand while on the other pressing ahead with a project which will bring virtually no public benefit and cost millions of pounds to implement.
“At a time when we are seeing expenditure chopped from many important services it just defies belief that Natural England is being allowed to invest so much money in coastal access when it simply cannot be justified on the basis of need.”
Natural England is planning to boost access beside Weymouth Bay in time for the 2012 Olympics and to follow that with five other 20-mile stretches around the coast – including one between Minehead and Stert Point in Somerset and others along the south coast. CLA advisors met recently with landowners affected by the Weymouth Bay proposals to hear their concerns.
The Weymouth Bay proposals are out for consultation until January 10 but CLA Regional Surveyor, Charlotte Sealy, said that more than a dozen local landowners had attended a recent CLA meeting – and all of them shared serious and genuine concerns about the way in which Natural England planned to implement coastal access.
Weymouth Bay, she said, was already well served by the South West Coast Path and by many permissive and voluntary agreements as well as statutory right of way. At one point there are three separate routes through a single field – a statutory footpath, the South West Coastal Path and now the new route.
“This duplication of access comes at immense cost to the public purse. Despite its promises to do so, Natural England has neither listened – nor intends to listen – to the concerns of private individuals about the impact of this legislation on their lives, business and property. It calls the whole of the Government’s priority and decision-making process seriously into question. If the Government felt it necessary to spend money on access, then it should concentrate on ensuring that the access we already have is properly signed, maintained and kept up to scratch,” said Mr Mortimer.
For Further Information Contact:
Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345
For Further Information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
CLA Takes a Look at a New Era in Planning
The coalition Government is shifting the agenda on planning with responsibility for strategic and local planning moving to new regimes and, according to the Country Land and Business Association, it will open a new era in planning.
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the way people prepare planning applications and the whole of the decision making process is about to undergo the most radical change in recent planning history.
In order to open the door on the future, the CLA has organised three seminars which will pull together experts from all aspects of the planning process. The seminars, which will be held in Wiltshire, Somerset and Cornwall early in the New Year, will examine the process of putting together a planning application and offer essential tips on the pitfalls and priorities.
Mr Mortimer says that part of the Government’s localism agenda aims to give individuals and local communities the ability to determine their own future and to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits. But CLA experts say there is a risk that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.
“We are going to have to take a new approach to planning and think about how we are going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? We need to look at how somebody preparing to apply for planning permission can set about getting their voice heard and convincing the local community that their application is right for the area.
“Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help people win,” said Mr Mortimer.
The seminars will take place on Tuesday 25 January at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire; On Wednesday 26 January at The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset and on Tuesday 15 February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. The cost is £20 for CLA members and £30 for non-members. Places can be reserved on line at
www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or by telephone on 01249 700200.
For further information please contact Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345.
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the way people prepare planning applications and the whole of the decision making process is about to undergo the most radical change in recent planning history.
In order to open the door on the future, the CLA has organised three seminars which will pull together experts from all aspects of the planning process. The seminars, which will be held in Wiltshire, Somerset and Cornwall early in the New Year, will examine the process of putting together a planning application and offer essential tips on the pitfalls and priorities.
Mr Mortimer says that part of the Government’s localism agenda aims to give individuals and local communities the ability to determine their own future and to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits. But CLA experts say there is a risk that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.
“We are going to have to take a new approach to planning and think about how we are going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? We need to look at how somebody preparing to apply for planning permission can set about getting their voice heard and convincing the local community that their application is right for the area.
“Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help people win,” said Mr Mortimer.
The seminars will take place on Tuesday 25 January at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire; On Wednesday 26 January at The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset and on Tuesday 15 February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. The cost is £20 for CLA members and £30 for non-members. Places can be reserved on line at
www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or by telephone on 01249 700200.
For further information please contact Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Landowners Take a Look on the Bright Side
South West landowners are being offered a chance to take a look on the bright side of life in the New Year – at seminars which will explore the opportunities and pitfalls of generating power from the sun.
The events follow a series of sell-out seminars organised by the Country Land and Business Association on photovoltaics and will bring top-level expertise to different parts of the region.
CLA South West Rural Surveyor, Graham Clark, says the technology for generating electricity from ‘photovoltaic’ solar panels has been around for some years – but, until now, with relatively modest uptake in the UK.
“What’s changed is the introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs earlier this year. These provide guaranteed payments for every unit of renewable power produced over a 25 year period and have significantly improved the economics of solar PV,” said Mr Clark.
The CLA is organising two events in response to the overwhelming popularity of the subject. The first is being held at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire, on Wednesday 12 January and the second at the Beaulieu Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, on Tuesday 18 January. Both events will bring together professional advisers who will discuss the solar PV technology and the options for landowners plus planning, financial and legal issues.
In addition, there will be opportunities for delegates to hear from and speak directly to representatives of companies who provide solar panels and others who are looking for land in the South West on which to develop ‘solar parks’
More sunlight, says Mr Clark, means more power generation – therefore solar PV is a more viable option in the sunnier south. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 and, with potentially long lead in times to get up and running, landowners should consider their options without delay if they are to benefit.
The seminar will help people assess the most suitable option for their land or buildings, whether they should develop the project themselves and benefit directly from the power generated and from the tariff or whether they should lease land out to a solar developer.
“We will be discussing all the issues including getting planning permission and a grid connection - both significant hurdles to be cleared, but, depending on the circumstances, a solar PV project can not only reduce the exposure of a business to likely future rises in electricity prices but also become a profitable enterprise in its own right.”
Places cost £15 for CLA members and £30 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
For Further information Please Contact CLA SW Communications Manager Paul Millard on 01380 830179 or 07831674345
The events follow a series of sell-out seminars organised by the Country Land and Business Association on photovoltaics and will bring top-level expertise to different parts of the region.
CLA South West Rural Surveyor, Graham Clark, says the technology for generating electricity from ‘photovoltaic’ solar panels has been around for some years – but, until now, with relatively modest uptake in the UK.
“What’s changed is the introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs earlier this year. These provide guaranteed payments for every unit of renewable power produced over a 25 year period and have significantly improved the economics of solar PV,” said Mr Clark.
The CLA is organising two events in response to the overwhelming popularity of the subject. The first is being held at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire, on Wednesday 12 January and the second at the Beaulieu Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, on Tuesday 18 January. Both events will bring together professional advisers who will discuss the solar PV technology and the options for landowners plus planning, financial and legal issues.
In addition, there will be opportunities for delegates to hear from and speak directly to representatives of companies who provide solar panels and others who are looking for land in the South West on which to develop ‘solar parks’
More sunlight, says Mr Clark, means more power generation – therefore solar PV is a more viable option in the sunnier south. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 and, with potentially long lead in times to get up and running, landowners should consider their options without delay if they are to benefit.
The seminar will help people assess the most suitable option for their land or buildings, whether they should develop the project themselves and benefit directly from the power generated and from the tariff or whether they should lease land out to a solar developer.
“We will be discussing all the issues including getting planning permission and a grid connection - both significant hurdles to be cleared, but, depending on the circumstances, a solar PV project can not only reduce the exposure of a business to likely future rises in electricity prices but also become a profitable enterprise in its own right.”
Places cost £15 for CLA members and £30 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
For Further information Please Contact CLA SW Communications Manager Paul Millard on 01380 830179 or 07831674345
CLA Takes a Look at a New Era in Planning
The coalition Government is shifting the agenda on planning with responsibility for strategic and local planning moving to new regimes and, according to the Country Land and Business Association, it will open a new era in planning.
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the way people prepare planning applications and the whole of the decision making process is about to undergo the most radical change in recent planning history.
In order to open the door on the future, the CLA has organised three seminars which will pull together experts from all aspects of the planning process. The seminars, which will be held in Wiltshire, Somerset and Cornwall early in the New Year, will examine the process of putting together a planning application and offer essential tips on the pitfalls and priorities.
Mr Mortimer says that part of the Government’s localism agenda aims to give individuals and local communities the ability to determine their own future and to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits. But CLA experts say there is a risk that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.
“We are going to have to take a new approach to planning and think about how we are going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? We need to look at how somebody preparing to apply for planning permission can set about getting their voice heard and convincing the local community that their application is right for the area.
“Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help people win,” said Mr Mortimer.
The seminars will take place on Tuesday 25 January at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire;
On Wednesday 26 January atThe Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset and on Tuesday 15 February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. The cost is £20 for CLA members and £30 for non-members. Places can be reserved on line at
www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or by telephone on 01249 700200.
For further information please contact Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345.
For further information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
CLA South West director, John Mortimer, said the way people prepare planning applications and the whole of the decision making process is about to undergo the most radical change in recent planning history.
In order to open the door on the future, the CLA has organised three seminars which will pull together experts from all aspects of the planning process. The seminars, which will be held in Wiltshire, Somerset and Cornwall early in the New Year, will examine the process of putting together a planning application and offer essential tips on the pitfalls and priorities.
Mr Mortimer says that part of the Government’s localism agenda aims to give individuals and local communities the ability to determine their own future and to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits. But CLA experts say there is a risk that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.
“We are going to have to take a new approach to planning and think about how we are going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? We need to look at how somebody preparing to apply for planning permission can set about getting their voice heard and convincing the local community that their application is right for the area.
“Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help people win,” said Mr Mortimer.
The seminars will take place on Tuesday 25 January at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire;
On Wednesday 26 January atThe Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster, Somerset and on Tuesday 15 February at The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. The cost is £20 for CLA members and £30 for non-members. Places can be reserved on line at
www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents or by telephone on 01249 700200.
For further information please contact Paul Millard CLA SW Communications Manager on 01380 830179 or 07831 674345.
For further information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
Landowners Take a Look on the Bright Side
South West landowners are being offered a chance to take a look on the bright side of life in the New Year – at seminars which will explore the opportunities and pitfalls of generating power from the sun.
The events follow a series of sell-out seminars organised by the Country Land and Business Association on photovoltaics and will bring top-level expertise to different parts of the region.
CLA South West Rural Surveyor, Graham Clark, says the technology for generating electricity from ‘photovoltaic’ solar panels has been around for some years – but, until now, with relatively modest uptake in the UK.
“What’s changed is the introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs earlier this year. These provide guaranteed payments for every unit of renewable power produced over a 25 year period and have significantly improved the economics of solar PV,” said Mr Clark.
The CLA is organising two events in response to the overwhelming popularity of the subject. The first is being held at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire, on Wednesday 12 January and the second at the Beaulieu Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, on Tuesday 18 January. Both events will bring together professional advisers who will discuss the solar PV technology and the options for landowners plus planning, financial and legal issues.
In addition, there will be opportunities for delegates to hear from and speak directly to representatives of companies who provide solar panels and others who are looking for land in the South West on which to develop ‘solar parks’
More sunlight, says Mr Clark, means more power generation – therefore solar PV is a more viable option in the sunnier south. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 and, with potentially long lead in times to get up and running, landowners should consider their options without delay if they are to benefit.
The seminar will help people assess the most suitable option for their land or buildings, whether they should develop the project themselves and benefit directly from the power generated and from the tariff or whether they should lease land out to a solar developer.
“We will be discussing all the issues including getting planning permission and a grid connection - both significant hurdles to be cleared, but, depending on the circumstances, a solar PV project can not only reduce the exposure of a business to likely future rises in electricity prices but also become a profitable enterprise in its own right.”
Places cost £15 for CLA members and £30 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
For Further information Please Contact CLA SW Communications Manager Paul Millard on 01380 830179 or 07831674345
For Further Information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
The events follow a series of sell-out seminars organised by the Country Land and Business Association on photovoltaics and will bring top-level expertise to different parts of the region.
CLA South West Rural Surveyor, Graham Clark, says the technology for generating electricity from ‘photovoltaic’ solar panels has been around for some years – but, until now, with relatively modest uptake in the UK.
“What’s changed is the introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs earlier this year. These provide guaranteed payments for every unit of renewable power produced over a 25 year period and have significantly improved the economics of solar PV,” said Mr Clark.
The CLA is organising two events in response to the overwhelming popularity of the subject. The first is being held at Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire, on Wednesday 12 January and the second at the Beaulieu Hotel, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, on Tuesday 18 January. Both events will bring together professional advisers who will discuss the solar PV technology and the options for landowners plus planning, financial and legal issues.
In addition, there will be opportunities for delegates to hear from and speak directly to representatives of companies who provide solar panels and others who are looking for land in the South West on which to develop ‘solar parks’
More sunlight, says Mr Clark, means more power generation – therefore solar PV is a more viable option in the sunnier south. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 and, with potentially long lead in times to get up and running, landowners should consider their options without delay if they are to benefit.
The seminar will help people assess the most suitable option for their land or buildings, whether they should develop the project themselves and benefit directly from the power generated and from the tariff or whether they should lease land out to a solar developer.
“We will be discussing all the issues including getting planning permission and a grid connection - both significant hurdles to be cleared, but, depending on the circumstances, a solar PV project can not only reduce the exposure of a business to likely future rises in electricity prices but also become a profitable enterprise in its own right.”
Places cost £15 for CLA members and £30 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
For Further information Please Contact CLA SW Communications Manager Paul Millard on 01380 830179 or 07831674345
For Further Information on the CLA go to www.cla.org.uk
Monday, December 6, 2010
PV and Planning Events
SHINING A LIGHT ON PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV)
Wednesday 12 January 2011 - 9.00am – 1.45pm
Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0RP
Sponsored by Rural Development Associates, Clarke Willmott, Knight Frank & Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd
COST: £15 members; £30 non-members (includes sandwich lunch)
Tuesday 18 January 2011 - 9.00am – 1.45pm
Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO42 7YQ
Sponsored by Rural Development Associates
COST: £15 members; £30 non-members (includes sandwich lunch)
INTRODUCTION
The introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) in April 2010 has created significant opportunities for landowners to benefit from the production of renewable electricity, with the sunnier South West and parts of the South East being particularly favourable for generating solar power. Solar Photovoltaics (PV) attracts the highest FIT payments and there are now unprecedented opportunities to generate power and income by installing solar panels or by leasing out land or roof space for others to do so. However, owners should consider their options soon, as FIT payments start to decline from 2012.
Experienced professional advisers will provide an overview of the solar PV technology and the options for landowners. The event will also cover the important areas of planning, financial viability and legal issues. In addition, there will be opportunities to hear from and speak directly to leading companies who provide solar panels and others who are looking for land in the South West (and in some parts of the South East) on which to develop ‘solar parks’. Business Link will also be in attendance to talk about grant funding.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The event is primarily aimed at farmers and owners of land and buildings, however it is open to anyone wishing to learn more about how those with suitable land or buildings can benefit from generating electricity by Solar PV.
PLANNING TO WIN
The new coalition Government is shifting the agenda on planning with responsibility for strategic and local planning moving to new regimes. Part of the new Government’s localism agenda is to give local communities the ability to determine their own future, to move away from the idea of strict planning envelopes and development limits - but there is a risk and it is that planning issues will be decided only on their local impact rather than their strategic importance.
So how are we going to win the hearts and minds of those who will hold the decision making powers? How do you set about getting your voice heard and convincing the local community that your application is right for the area?
Shaping the future, planning the route from where we are to where we want to be and winning the argument – these are going to be the key issues within the planning debate in the future and this series of seminars will explore the PR, political and sustainability issues that are likely to help you win.
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Sponsored by Burges Salmon & Smiths Gore
State Room, Hartham Park, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0RP
COST: £20 for members and £30 for non-members (includes sandwich lunch)
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Sponsored by Stephens Scown & Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd
The Pavilion, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7JE
COST: £20 for members and £30 for non-members (includes sandwich lunch)
Wednesday 26th January 2011
sponsored by Burges Salmon & Smiths Gore
The Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Nr Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9PT
COST: £20 for members and £30 for non-members (includes sandwich lunch)
DRAFT PROGRAMME
10.15 registration & refreshments
10.45 Chairman’s introduction
10.50 Policy background – Fenella Collins, CLA Senior Planning Adviser
11.35 Ex Chief Planner (tbc)
11.55 MP
12.15 Future Lobbying – Fenella Collins
12.25 Q&A
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Agent Perspective
14.30 Legal Application
15.00 Break
15.15 Planning & PR – Paul Pounsford, Daybreak Communications
15.55 Q&A
16.15 Close
FOR INFORMATION ON ALL CLA EVENTS FOR SPRING 2011 PLEASE GO TO www.cla.org.uk or www.regonline.co.uk/claswevents where you can also book online or call 01249 700200.
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