The Country Land and Business Association in the South West is calling for more openness and greater clarity in the way bids to form Local Enterprise Partnerships are determined.
The move follows the coalition Government’s announcement that only two bids from the whole of the South West region have been successful and CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, says it is important that people know why.
LEPs, he said, were central part of the Coalition Government’s localism agenda and local authorities had been working with business groups to set up new partnerships which would drive economic and planning policies forward.
“The Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, has said that the Government’s vision for local enterprise partnerships will help transforms the economic geography of the country – the problem, it seems, is that too few people know exactly what that vision is.”
The two proposals given the thumbs up were in Cornwall and the West Country area – which includes North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Bristol – other areas failed to get through the first stage.
The CLA has welcomed the recognition given to the importance of the rural economy in the Government’s Local Growth White Paper but says that makes it essential that the needs of rural communities and the economic activity which takes place in rural areas are properly understood by - and represented on - Local Enterprise Partnerships.
“But we need greater clarity from Government in terms of their expectations for the LEPs which failed to gain approval – what do they have to change to become acceptable? The CLA in the South West has been fighting for proper representation on the boards of the LEPs and we need to know what we have to do to win that recognition,” he said.
The CLA, he said was unique in that its members owned and managed the raw materials of economic activity – land and buildings. Furthermore, their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills were at the very core of the economic well-being of rural areas. Shifting government to the localism agenda offered an opportunity to plan a more secure future for the region’s rural communities at a local level– but he warned that this would require a successful and sustainable rural economy allied with a flexible, integrated and sustainable planning system with policies which all pulled in the same direction.
“CLA members manage land for food production and forestry, generate jobs, create business opportunities, provide investment and housing for local people and are responsible for the environment and the landscape which is such an integral part of our tourist industry. In short, CLA members play a critical role in ensuring economic diversity and vitality across the whole of our region – and they should be properly represented in the new partnerships.
“All of this demands the in-depth understanding of the balance between economic drivers and environmental sustainability which only the CLA can bring to the table. I am concerned that this opportunity is not allowed to slip by and that the CLA is offered an opportunity to contribute to the partnership which will drive the future of economic enterprise forward,” he said.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Fire Risk from Chinese Lanterns
With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, the CLA in the South West is asking people to think again before they include sky lanterns as part of their celebrations.
The Association believes that the risk of fire to land and property, and threat to people, livestock and pets simply cannot justify the continued use of what many people are now coming to appreciate is a real threat.
CLA South west Director, John Mortimer, said: “Manufacturers and importers defend their products as an “environmentally friendly” way for people to enjoy themselves, but it is patently obvious that they are actually a potentially lethal fire risk.”
As well as the obvious fire risk, the wire frames used in many of the lanterns have caused injury and proved fatal to livestock. Other countries – apparently including parts of China – have seen fit to ban their use as the list of problems grows ever longer.
“Although there are safety instructions on many packs, the responsibility remains firmly with the person who releases the naked flame - and they have no control over where it lands. I would urge anyone considering using sky lanterns to think again and ask themselves if they would set one off towards their own home.”
Even in open countryside, said Mr Mortimer, there were barns, houses, farmyards, and woodland where people and animals could be put at risk. There was also, he said, a considerable risk to stores of dry crops such as hay and straw.
“It cannot be right that one group of people’s so-called celebrations can cause, at best, anxiety and, at worst, real damage, to others.”
The Association believes that the risk of fire to land and property, and threat to people, livestock and pets simply cannot justify the continued use of what many people are now coming to appreciate is a real threat.
CLA South west Director, John Mortimer, said: “Manufacturers and importers defend their products as an “environmentally friendly” way for people to enjoy themselves, but it is patently obvious that they are actually a potentially lethal fire risk.”
As well as the obvious fire risk, the wire frames used in many of the lanterns have caused injury and proved fatal to livestock. Other countries – apparently including parts of China – have seen fit to ban their use as the list of problems grows ever longer.
“Although there are safety instructions on many packs, the responsibility remains firmly with the person who releases the naked flame - and they have no control over where it lands. I would urge anyone considering using sky lanterns to think again and ask themselves if they would set one off towards their own home.”
Even in open countryside, said Mr Mortimer, there were barns, houses, farmyards, and woodland where people and animals could be put at risk. There was also, he said, a considerable risk to stores of dry crops such as hay and straw.
“It cannot be right that one group of people’s so-called celebrations can cause, at best, anxiety and, at worst, real damage, to others.”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Devon Farmers Learn About a Troublesome Teenager
Farm and land managers in Devon were given some instruction on handling a troublesome teenager yesterday evening – a teenager who will have a huge impact on all of their lives.
The teenager in question is the Common Agricultural Policy and the behavioural expert handing out the advice was Prof. Allan Buckwell. Director of Policy at the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association.
“Parents always argue about how to handle difficult quarrelsome teenagers and this one is no different - there are some heated discussions brewing up over the reforms which will take the CAP into its teen years from 2013 to 2020. ”
Speaking to the Devon Farm Management Association, Prof Buckwell, compared the CAP to the stages of a child’s development with the years between 1968 and 1992 representing the infancy and pre-school CAP when there were strong markets and prices and support was based on geographical borders. The CAP went to primary school between 1992 and 2000 when it developed into compensatory, direct payments, and during its early secondary school years it had to discover how to juggle with two hands – representing the two pillar, decoupled CAP. It also had to learn about the importance of market failures.
“Next we enter the teens – and that shouldn’t hold any surprises, we know that maturity is still some way off and that the clash of hormones is inevitable and, as with all teenagers, choices over its future direction will have to be made” he said.
Food security was, he said, a real challenge and one of the choices to be made was whether we supported food production or the environment or whether support should be targeted at both.
“The inescapable fact is that agricultural productivity has to rise and that will require knowledge intensive, precision land management. A strong common policy is essential and it must have funding resources to match the expectation placed upon it,” he said.
The teenager in question is the Common Agricultural Policy and the behavioural expert handing out the advice was Prof. Allan Buckwell. Director of Policy at the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association.
“Parents always argue about how to handle difficult quarrelsome teenagers and this one is no different - there are some heated discussions brewing up over the reforms which will take the CAP into its teen years from 2013 to 2020. ”
Speaking to the Devon Farm Management Association, Prof Buckwell, compared the CAP to the stages of a child’s development with the years between 1968 and 1992 representing the infancy and pre-school CAP when there were strong markets and prices and support was based on geographical borders. The CAP went to primary school between 1992 and 2000 when it developed into compensatory, direct payments, and during its early secondary school years it had to discover how to juggle with two hands – representing the two pillar, decoupled CAP. It also had to learn about the importance of market failures.
“Next we enter the teens – and that shouldn’t hold any surprises, we know that maturity is still some way off and that the clash of hormones is inevitable and, as with all teenagers, choices over its future direction will have to be made” he said.
Food security was, he said, a real challenge and one of the choices to be made was whether we supported food production or the environment or whether support should be targeted at both.
“The inescapable fact is that agricultural productivity has to rise and that will require knowledge intensive, precision land management. A strong common policy is essential and it must have funding resources to match the expectation placed upon it,” he said.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Red Tape Review Deadline Looming
The CLA is reminding farmers across the South West that the deadline for submissions to Defra’s Review of Farm Regulation - which is looking at ways of reducing red tape in the agricultural industry - is this coming Sunday, October 31.
The Task Force on Farming Regulation is reviewing regulation affecting farmers, growers and food processors, and is asking for views on red tape, and suggestions for better ways to do things.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: “Red tape is a constant source of complaint from our members, and while the CLA has submitted a particularly robust response to this consultation, it is important that everyone takes this opportunity to contribute. Government repeated its intention to look at this seriously in the Comprehensive Spending Review last week.”
The review team is looking for regulations that go beyond what is required or which are too complex whether form filling, record keeping or inspections. They want to find out how businesses are affected and how the regulations should be changed.
“Your list can be long or short, but your comments should specify what the regulation is, who applies it, and what your suggested solution would be. If there are regulations you think are unnecessary and which could be removed without lowering standards for business, the public or the environment this is the chance to change things,” said Mr Mortimer.
Defra says that all comments and suggestions received by 31 October 2010 will be considered and fed into the review. The results will be made available early in 2011.
As well as responding to the consultation online at http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/ people can contribute by writing to:
Task Force on Farming Regulation, Area 8D Millbank' Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Notes for editors:
The Review of Farm Regulation is looking for comments in the following areas:
* Farm animals
* Growing and crops
* Food processing
* Business & management
* Environment & land management
For further information see http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/
The Task Force on Farming Regulation is reviewing regulation affecting farmers, growers and food processors, and is asking for views on red tape, and suggestions for better ways to do things.
CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: “Red tape is a constant source of complaint from our members, and while the CLA has submitted a particularly robust response to this consultation, it is important that everyone takes this opportunity to contribute. Government repeated its intention to look at this seriously in the Comprehensive Spending Review last week.”
The review team is looking for regulations that go beyond what is required or which are too complex whether form filling, record keeping or inspections. They want to find out how businesses are affected and how the regulations should be changed.
“Your list can be long or short, but your comments should specify what the regulation is, who applies it, and what your suggested solution would be. If there are regulations you think are unnecessary and which could be removed without lowering standards for business, the public or the environment this is the chance to change things,” said Mr Mortimer.
Defra says that all comments and suggestions received by 31 October 2010 will be considered and fed into the review. The results will be made available early in 2011.
As well as responding to the consultation online at http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/ people can contribute by writing to:
Task Force on Farming Regulation, Area 8D Millbank' Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Notes for editors:
The Review of Farm Regulation is looking for comments in the following areas:
* Farm animals
* Growing and crops
* Food processing
* Business & management
* Environment & land management
For further information see http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/
CLA Takes a Look on the Bright Side
South West landowners are being offered the chance to look on the bright side of life – at a seminar which will explore the opportunities and pitfalls of generating power from the sun.
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 event, which is being organised by the CLA, is being held at Lanhydrock Golf Club, Bodmin, on November 15 and brings 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 leading 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 west. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 so landowners should consider their options soon.
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.”
Shining a Light on Photovoltaics takes place on Monday 15 November from 9.00 am – 1.45 pm at Lanhydrock Golf Club, Bodmin, Cornwall and places cost £15 for CLA members and £25 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
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 event, which is being organised by the CLA, is being held at Lanhydrock Golf Club, Bodmin, on November 15 and brings 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 leading 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 west. PV also attracts higher Feed in Tariffs than the other renewable technologies - however, he warned that ‘joining rates’ start to fall in 2012 so landowners should consider their options soon.
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.”
Shining a Light on Photovoltaics takes place on Monday 15 November from 9.00 am – 1.45 pm at Lanhydrock Golf Club, Bodmin, Cornwall and places cost £15 for CLA members and £25 non-CLA members. Details are available from the CLA on 01249 700200.
Housing developers to pay ‘conservation tax’ | The Times
Housing developers to pay ‘conservation tax’ | The Times:
Developers could be made to pay for new conservation areas under government plans to attach a financial value to the wildlife found on every piece of land converted for housing, industry or roads.
The system of “conservation credits” would generate tens of millions of pounds each year to finance the creation of new wetlands, woodlands and habitats for endangered species.
In an interview with The Times, Richard Benyon, the Environment Minister, said that the credit system would result in overall gains for wildlife, with landowners and developers required to create more “natural capital” than they destroyed.
A landowner seeking planning permission for a housing estate would have to obtain an independent assessment of the damage to nature and then purchase the appropriate number of credits before the development began.
The money would be given to wildlife trusts and conservation groups that have identified areas suitable for restoration. The system, which will be presented in a Natural Environment White Paper in the spring, will allow one type of habitat to be replaced with another as long as it is worth the same number of credits.
....
The Country Land and Business Association, whose members control or manage more than half the rural land in England and Wales, said that developers already compensated communities through planning obligatons to provide amenities."
Developers could be made to pay for new conservation areas under government plans to attach a financial value to the wildlife found on every piece of land converted for housing, industry or roads.
The system of “conservation credits” would generate tens of millions of pounds each year to finance the creation of new wetlands, woodlands and habitats for endangered species.
In an interview with The Times, Richard Benyon, the Environment Minister, said that the credit system would result in overall gains for wildlife, with landowners and developers required to create more “natural capital” than they destroyed.
A landowner seeking planning permission for a housing estate would have to obtain an independent assessment of the damage to nature and then purchase the appropriate number of credits before the development began.
The money would be given to wildlife trusts and conservation groups that have identified areas suitable for restoration. The system, which will be presented in a Natural Environment White Paper in the spring, will allow one type of habitat to be replaced with another as long as it is worth the same number of credits.
....
The Country Land and Business Association, whose members control or manage more than half the rural land in England and Wales, said that developers already compensated communities through planning obligatons to provide amenities."
Friday, October 22, 2010
Weather Widget now on the Blog
We hope the Met Office weather forecast box in the sidebar is useful, if not always a bearer of welcome news.
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