Sherford • Plymouth • Devon :: Search Results
| 100 Most Recent Posts | 98 Results Found |
|
|
Result 1 of 98:
|  Author | Topic: Sherford's Lost Valley - Childrens Book (Read 5 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
![[homepage]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/www_sm.gif)
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male 
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 |  | Sherford's Lost Valley - Childrens Book
« Result #1 on Nov 9, 2009, 4:16pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/boo....il/article.html
"PLANS to build a 'new town' at Sherford have inspired a children's book.
Author Debbie Cullen has written Sherford's Lost Valley, a story for seven- to 10-year-olds about a bear called Bertrum who faces the prospect of losing his home under brick and concrete."
| |
|
|
Result 2 of 98:
Result 3 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: GreenPrint for Sherford development, South Hams (Read 6 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | GreenPrint for Sherford development, South Hams
« Result #3 on Oct 19, 2009, 2:28pm » | |
GreenPrint for Sherford development, South Hams
http://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=1291
Key elements of the masterplan
Two wind turbines within the 200 ha Community Park contributing to the overall 50% renewable electricity requirement.
80% of the roof area of the whole development used for rainwater harvesting.
75% of buildings will be equipped with solar thermal systems and/or photovoltaic devices.
All dwellings to be built to the EcoHomes Excellent standard (equivalent to CSH level 3/4).
Transport and movement strategy places the pedestrian and cyclist at the heart of the development, minimising walking distances between home, workplace, schools and shops.
Increase in jobs and local skills base, and training opportunities to help local workers up-skill.
| |
|
|
Result 4 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Gets Go Ahead (Read 21 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford Gets Go Ahead
« Result #4 on Aug 17, 2009, 11:32pm » | |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8189176.stm
Go ahead for first new town homes
The town will be made up of small, linked communities
Building work on the first 300 homes in a new development in Devon could begin next year.
City councillors voted unanimously to approve revised plans for the Sherford Valley development in the South Hams.
The revised proposals include sports facilities and a main link road, but there now will be fewer affordable homes because of market conditions.
Up to 5,500 homes could eventually be built in the Sherford Valley, on the outskirts of Plymouth.
The Red Tree development will be made up of small, linked communities.
| |
|
|
Result 5 of 98:
Result 6 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: less afforable housing (Read 30 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | less afforable housing
« Result #6 on Jun 9, 2009, 4:08pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/She....il/article.html
Sherford will have less afforable housing
THE percentage of affordable housing in a planned new town of 5,500 homes on the edge of Plymouth could be cut by more than half because of the recession.
Amended plans for the Sherford development, between Plymstock and Ivybridge, show the proportion of affordable housing could fall from up to 45 per cent of the development to as low as 20 per cent.
New outline plans for the site have been lodged with both Plymouth City Council and South Hams District Council.
Public consultation by both authorities on the new plans will end on June 25.
The plans, an addendum to the originals, will be debated by Plymouth planners next month, and in the South Hams in July or later, but the issue of affordable housing is likely to prove of great public concern.
In the original plans, submitted in April 2008, between 36.5 and 45 per cent of the housing stock was to have been affordable: but due to "current market conditions", that changes in the revised plans to between 20 per cent and 45 per cent.
A statement in the new plans said: "It could be reasonably predicted that the level of provision of affordable housing at Sherford at the completion of 5,500 dwellings might be between 20 per cent and 45 per cent of overall housing numbers.
"The percentage will depend on various factors including viability, the level of grant funding available through the term of the development and the tenure mix provided, which will be reviewed from time to time to help match provision to need."
How many of the homes will be affordable has yet to be decided, but developer Red Tree says any fall in numbers would be because of the recession.
In a letter on Plymouth City Council's website, Red Tree project manager Rebecca Sturge, said: "The challenges of the current market have, like developments throughout the country, required all those involved in Sherford to review the demands being made through the planning agreement and to look at innovative ways to ensure that the development, including the much-needed housing it provides, is deliverable on the site."
James Koe, a partner at Red Tree, said: "The market downturn has presented Sherford with a considerable challenge."
Plymouth City Council and South Hams District Council, as well as Red Tree, had focused "considerable resource and time on meeting this challenge".
The developers had also taken a fresh look at the sequencing of the early stages of development which had led to a 'revised phasing' focused on bringing the south- west neighbourhood – the part of the development on the edge of Elburton – forward to help ensure and accelerate delivery of the project.
"This also addresses earlier the need to clearly define the distinct and separate nature of Sherford to Elburton and brings forward the delivery of much of the managed open space and sports provision in this corridor, including the swimming pool," said Mr Koe.
"Significantly, it also makes the development much more attractive for public funding within current funding cycles."
Red Tree also said the size of the community park in the development had "been returned to the originally envisaged scale of 200 hectares".
The Sherford development is expected to be given planning permission this year so construction can begin next year.
The 'main street' and south-west neighbourhood are expected to be built between next year and 2012, with the first residents moving on to the site in 2011.
The entire development is not expected to be completed until 2022.
Mr Koe said certain aspects of the scheme which had been threatened by the worsening economic climate would go ahead nonetheless.
"The things that may have been compromised because of economic conditions beyond our control have had champions in Red Tree as well as the local planning authorities' delivery teams and their corner has been fought hard," he said.
"These proposals ensure that the site is deliverable in this market while sustaining the original vision for Sherford."
A special planning meeting to discuss the new Sherford plans is scheduled at the council on July 16.
Any comments on the plans to the city council should refer only to the addendum, and not the original application.
| |
|
|
Result 7 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Bluesky Models New Market Town (Read 35 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Bluesky Models New Market Town
« Result #7 on May 19, 2009, 2:18pm » | |
http://www.bluesky-world.com/press_releases/archive.php?year=2008
Bluesky Models New Market Town
Using revolutionary 3D printing technology, Bluesky has created a large-scale model to assist with the planning of Sherford, a new market town on the outskirts of Plymouth. The model combines the most up- to-date aerial photography of the development site and its surrounding area with highly detailed height measurements, to create a geographically accurate, physical model. In addition to the real world detail provided by the aerial photography, Bluesky worked closely with Red Tree, the developer promoting Sherford, to include development boundary and Main Street details for the proposed development.
Sherford will be located in the southwest corner of Devon, at the gateway to Cornwall, and will form an urban extension to the coastal city of Plymouth. Sherford, which will provide up to 5,500 new homes, up to 7,000 new jobs and a 207 hectare Community Park, is due to start on site with Phase 1 of the construction programme in spring 2008, subject to relevant planning consents.
“The model created for us by Bluesky was used to communicate the outline shape and form of the development against the topographical backdrop at a series of public consultation meetings and drop in sessions held by South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council,” said Rebecca Sturge, Project Manager for the Sherford development at Red Tree (2004) LLP. She continued, “The model drew the public into the consultation process as it was visually very impressive yet easy to interpret and understand.”
The 3D model was created by combining GeoPerspectives aerial photography and ground measurements to produce a 3D computer simulation of the site. Additional details, such as the development and Main Street boundaries, were mapped onto the digital representation. Then, just as a standard desktop printer produces a hard copy replication of a document, Bluesky’s Contex 3D printer produced a physical model of the computer-generated design. Proprietary software ‘sliced’ the computer design into thousands of ultra fine layers that were then individually ‘printed’ by spreading a sub millimetre thin layer of composite powder onto a base. The model was then built up with subsequent layers of powder that were fixed together using a liquid binder.
Bluesky is a UK based company specialising in aerial imaging and remote sensing data collection and processing. With projects extending around the globe it has an international reputation for the creation of seamless digital aerial photography and 3D landscape / cityscape visualisations. Bluesky’s national mapping centre provides digital maps, site maps, satellite imagery, aerial photography and ultra-high resolution imagery of cities and towns.
Website: www.bluesky-world.com
| |
|
|
Result 8 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: North Plymstock Area Action Plan (Read 16 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | North Plymstock Area Action Plan
« Result #8 on May 19, 2009, 2:15pm » | |
North Plymstock Area Action Plan
The City Council’s vision for North Plymstock is to create a new, high quality and distinctive urban district for Plymouth that will include new, sustainable neighbourhoods.
http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/ldfnorthplymstockaap
| |
|
|
Result 9 of 98:
Result 10 of 98:
Result 11 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Where's the Plymstock Pool? (Read 4 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Where's the Plymstock Pool?
« Result #11 on May 19, 2009, 2:06pm » | |
Luke Pollard -
After challenging local Tories to come clean on their pledge to build a swimming pool in Plymstock the council have slipped out that they plan to build a new pool in Sherford - a development the Tory party spent years opposing. You cannot be pro-pool and anti-Sherford if they're going together. Luke Pollard challenges the Tories to come clean on their pledge and clarify the situation.
| |
|
|
Result 12 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment (Read 14 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment
« Result #12 on May 5, 2009, 5:48pm » | |
The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment
| |
|
|
Result 13 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford on Hold? (Read 105 times) |
jimn
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford on Hold?
« Result #13 on Apr 17, 2009, 8:30pm » | |
Yes, dead in the water summarises this scheme! RBS we love you! (not)
Save the South Hams
| |
|
|
Result 14 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Credit crunch could hinder Sherford town plan (Read 47 times) |
jimn
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2
Karma: 0 | | Re: Credit crunch could hinder Sherford town plan
« Result #14 on Apr 17, 2009, 8:00pm » | |
The major investor in Sherford is the Royal Bank of Scotland, an organisation that has had to be bailed out by the taxpayer and is in such a dire financial situation with the biggest losses in corporate history in the UK (£28 billion). Quite timely for this d**ned scheme. Taxpayers money going into the destruction of an area of the South Hams. Hideous. Nobody has mentioned or addressed this on this and other forums.
Was chatting to some local residents who doubt the entire thing will ever go ahead, surely RBS would never risk any more toxic debt and risky investment.
| |
|
|
Result 15 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Government Money for South Hams (Read 10 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Government Money for South Hams
« Result #15 on Mar 31, 2009, 11:27pm » | |
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/D....il/article.html
District's golden planning chance
Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 07:00
THE South Hams has been handed a 'golden opportunity' to spend up to £139,000 on employing the Prince's Foundation to help sort out the development future of the entire district.
And if the council can fast track its development blueprint for the next decade it could be in line for even more grant cash.
The money is the equivalent to a three and a half per cent hike in council tax. The cash will come out of the council's planning delivery grant — money from the Government tied to how efficiently the council runs its planning and development control operations.
The Prince's Foundation is being invited to bring its 'enquiry by design' system to the South Hams to help organise the consultation process involved in drawing up development plans for the whole district based on the four main towns, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Ivybridge, and the rural areas.
The foundation, which is behind Prince Charles' model village at Poundbury in Dorset, has already worked successfully with South Hams Council on the 4,000-home Sherford new town on the edge of Plymouth.
The planning framework, which planning authorities have to update every decade or so, is designed to spell out where future development should be allowed to take place.
In the case of the South Hams, that means finding room for the hundreds of new homes and the acres of employment land Government has said it should accommodate.
The district council began the process for the Totnes and Dartington areas last year but shelved it after deciding to run the five local plans in tandem — instead of one after the other — thereby speeding up the whole process.
It is also hoped that by bringing in the Prince's Foundation the district council will be able to deliver the plans on time.
South Hams Council leader John Tucker: "This gives us a golden opportunity to have the expertise of the Prince's Foundation."
Details of the various sites in and around the towns and villages in the district where development may be allowed to go ahead are due to be unveiled in May.
| |
|
|
Result 16 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford - Good? Yes or No (Read 22 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford - Good? Yes or No
« Result #16 on Mar 11, 2009, 1:59pm » | |
Do you think Sherford will be good of the local area and its residents? Place your vote! have your say 
| |
|
|
Result 17 of 98:
Result 18 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Credit crunch could hinder Sherford town plan (Read 47 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Credit crunch could hinder Sherford town plan
« Result #18 on Nov 20, 2008, 12:16pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/CRE....il/article.html
Credit crunch could hinder Sherford town plan
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 07:00
PLANS for a major housing development on the edge of Plymouth are unlikely to go ahead for years because of the credit crunch, MPs have heard.
Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, has called on ministers for a 'Plan B' in case of delays to the Sherford settlement, in order to meet future demands for affordable homes in the area.
The Tory MP tackled ministers over the issue during housing questions in the Commons.
Mr Streeter argued for greater flexibility in the planning system to allow new homes to be 'sprinkled' around existing towns and villages.
He said communities recognised the need for affordable housing.
He pointed out the developers behind Sherford were still negotiating on the planning application.
Plans for a new town at Cranbrook in East Devon were also set to be delayed, he argued.
Ministers have been under mounting pressure over the impact of the collapse in the housing market and current economic turmoil on its ambitious targets for homes.
The Government says it is providing billions of pounds to meet demand for affordable housing.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Streeter said: "Despite the current market correction, the need for affordable housing in South Devon remains as great as ever, yet both the proposed new towns, which were intended to deliver much of that affordable housing, are now unlikely to happen for many years because of the credit crunch. Can the Minister tell us what plan B is?"
Housing Minister Iain Wright said: "The Government are providing about £8.4billion to help improve the supply of affordable housing.
"We need to do that, and we need to correct the imbalance between housing demand and supply, which persists in this country."
Speaking later, Mr Streeter said: "I think there's a Plan B. What I want them to do is get them to address it."
Greater flexibility was needed to allow for "new affordable homes to be sprinkled around the existing towns and villages".
"These days almost every community recognises it needs more affordable housing. This could be a win-win."
| |
|
|
Result 19 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Talk on 3,000 new homes (Read 46 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Talk on 3,000 new homes
« Result #19 on Oct 20, 2008, 9:34am » | |
http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/3763855.Talk_on_3_000_new_homes/
Talk on 3,000 new homes
6:50am Sunday 19th October 2008
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Phil Hill »
PEOPLE in the Comeytrowe area of Taunton can discover more about plans for 3,000 new homes in their neighbourhood.
The homes have been proposed by the Government as part of 18,000 in and around Taunton.
Taunton Deane Council forward plan manager Ralph Willoughby-Foster will highlight the South West regional Assembly plans at a meeting in St George’s Church Hall, Wilton, on Friday, October 31 from 7.30pm.
The talk will be followed by the annual general meeting of the Wilton and Sherford Community Association.
| |
|
|
Result 20 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Greenest & Pleasant New Town (Read 44 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Greenest & Pleasant New Town
« Result #20 on Oct 18, 2008, 9:41am » | |
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main....sherford118.xml
Eco homes: England's greenest and most pleasant new town is on its way
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 18/10/2008
Sherford will soon be the place to live the eco life, says Adam Edwards
The plain black and white cast-iron sign at the empty crossroads in the heart of the South Hams, Devon, reads Higher Sherford and points towards a small group of farm buildings and acres of undulating green fields. The hamlet is as rural as are its immediate neighbours, East and West Sherford, that between them make up the basin of land, sandwiched between Plympton and Plymstock, east of Plymouth.
Wiltshire vision: the Georgian-style High Street in Sherford, Devon, will be modelled on the pretty market town of Marlborough – but with fewer cars
By the end of next year, that ageing sign will point to a herd of bulldozers carving out a 1,000-acre town that is intended to be Britain's greenest settlement, with cars banned from some areas, three-quarters of the buildings fitted with solar panels and a wide High Street modelled on the Wiltshire market town of Marlborough.
Despite the loss of more than a mile of hedgerow and a plan for wind turbines that will alter the view of a nearby Iron Age hill fort, nobody is objecting. Everyone is as keen as GM-free mustard on what will in future be called just plain Sherford.
For unlike the Government's proposed eco-towns that have raised such ire across the country, Sherford has been embraced by locals - thanks to the simple trick of including any objectors in the design process.
''Before outline planning permission was applied for, the local authority worked hard to get all interested parties on board,'' says Paul Tyler, the major developments officer for South Hams district council, in whose area the new town will be built.
Eco homes homepage
''We worked with the community and the developers. We had a range of stakeholders from transport to drainage, who were consulted from the beginning. All the information on what the town was going to look like was agreed long before the basic proposal was placed before the council.''
It was more than a decade ago that regional planners agreed there was a strategic need for a new town to meet the demands of growth in Plymouth. An area around Sherford was deemed ideal for development. But when the exact site was picked, there were several thousand objections, particularly from the nearby village of Brixton.
South Hams council did not go down the usual route of sprawling red-brick hutches. Instead, the public and the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment were invited to help.
The Prince's Foundation, a charity set up by the Prince of Wales to help with planning design and building on a human scale, was responsible for Poundbury, the town in Dorset that was built on Duchy of Cornwall land in the 1990s. This time, however, the foundation could not just do as it pleased. For the land where Sherford is to be built is owned by the developer Red Tree.
''Work started with a design exercise with local people to create a vision for the community,'' says Hank Dittmar, chief executive of the Prince's Foundation. ''It was after this consultation that the idea of a single town, rather than several small neighbourhoods, emerged.''
Other ideas included a town hall, a square, and a Georgian-style high street, which the designers claim will be the first purpose-built high street created in more than a century. There will be a health centre, neighbourhood centres, three primary schools and one secondary school.
A community park the size of 300 football pitches will be landscaped and there will be a dedicated cricket pitch and a bowling green.
No buildings will be higher than five storeys. Homes, shops and workplaces will be within walking distance of each other to reduce car use, and all waste, including water and sewerage, will be recycled to cut carbon emissions.
By the end of the design process, when each of the above had been included in the outline planning permission, almost all the objections had been dealt with.
"We have decided to make the best of it," says Brixton parish councillor Derek Curtis. "We had all been to see Poundbury and architecturally it was much better than anything local councils and house-builders had done in the past."
Dittmar adds: "We believe that successful towns, old and new, share certain design characteristics which, when deliberately applied to today's town-making, result in enduring, thriving neighbourhoods that don't damage the environment.
"It's a credit to all involved in Sherford that the South Hams and Plymouth stand to inherit an outstanding example of sustainable urbanism that is bound to benefit generations to come."
Or to put it another way, with luck, by 2020 the old road sign will not be a poignant reminder of how green life was before an eco-town was embraced.
| |
|
|
Result 21 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Credit crunch 'won't derail traffic plans' (Read 27 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Credit crunch 'won't derail traffic plans'
« Result #21 on Oct 8, 2008, 3:46pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Cre....il/article.html
Credit crunch 'won't derail traffic plans'
Tuesday, October 07, 2008, 18:45
COUNCILLORS have raised concerns the credit crunch could impact on major traffic plans for the east of Plymouth.
Members of the city council this week quizzed project leaders on whether the economic climate could lead to a "lesser" public transport system for the so-called Eastern Corridor.
However, project managers sought to assure the council's Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel they are confident the £100million scheme is due to proceed as planned.
The proposed system will serve the 5,500-home Sherford new town and the 1,600-home Plymstock Quarry site.
Councillor Tudor Evans, the city council's Labour group leader, said: "I've got a troubling feeling that certain developers are using the current financial climate for back sliding.
"We seem to be proceeding on the assumption that nothing's changed over the past few months."
Lee Smith, interim Eastern Corridor project manager, said the team has developed a "lower cost alternative" for the scheme in the event the full amount of money from developers does not come through.
The alternative scheme would involve around a 20 per cent reduction in costs.
Mr Smith added that all major projects have to produce such an option according to Government guidance.
He said: "In terms of what we are working to, we are working to the major scheme.
"The guidance says we must develop a lower-cost option. It's purely part of the bidding process."
A detailed funding bid is due to be submitted to central Government in June or July next year.
The Department for Transport is expected to pick up most of the estimated £100million cost, with the rest coming from developers and Plymouth City Council.
Mr Smith said the project team is currently in negotiations with Sherford developers Red Tree over their schedule of payments.
He said: "There's every confidence the agreement will be concluded with the money in place. Red Tree had accepted the principle of payments in place. The issue now is the payment mechanism of the 106 agreement.
"The debate is about how it's paid rather than the principle of whether it's paid."
Cllr Evans asked to see a full report of negotiations with developers – and the "lesser scheme" – at the next scrutiny panel meeting, scheduled for November 17.
Cllr Jean Nelder added: "This project is a huge jigsaw and one of the pieces of it is what's happening with the 106 agreement."
| |
|
|
Result 22 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford on Hold? (Read 105 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford on Hold?
« Result #22 on Sept 19, 2008, 2:53pm » | |
http://www.thisiswesternmorningnews.co.u....il/article.html
Will new towns ever be built?
Friday, September 19, 2008, 10:00
FEARS are mounting that plans for two major new towns to help ease the South West's homes crisis could be dead in the water.
It has been revealed that building work on Cranbrook, a town which could house up to 7,500 families outside Exeter in East Devon, has been postponed "indefinitely" because of the shocking state of the housing market.
And it is now feared that the 5,500 development planned for Sherford, close to Ivybridge in the South Hams, may not be built either because of the economic problems sweeping the country.
Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, and a property developer, said: "There can be no doubt that both Cranbrook and Sherford were conceived under a housing market that has disappeared, if not for ever, for the foreseeable future."
There were also calls for the Government to step in with financial aid to help get the programmes back on track. South Hams District Council was denying there were problems with Sherford yesterday, saying the programme for the town was "still on track".
But East Devon District Council, on whose land Cranbrook would be build, confirmed that work on the town scheduled to start later this year had been put on hold because the developers, a consortium including Persimmon and Redrow Homes, were unwilling to spend money on them with the housing market in a precarious condition.
The developers were worried they could spend millions on putting in roads and other infrastructure for the towns and then be left with unsold homes. Sara Randall Johnson, leader of the council, also laid the blame at the Government's door for the "frustration and disappointment" caused.
"It is too soon to say that Cranbrook is dead in the water," she said.
"But the housing certainly isn't going to happen in the next two or three years. The burden for the property developers is that they have to put in the infrastructure. Everything has got to be put in – and put in before the houses are built. We are talking about spending a multi-million-pound sum."
She added: "We have been working on this for 15 years, so it is extremely frustrating. Is it going to be another 10 or 15 years before Cranbrook finally gets built?"
Both Cranbrook and Sherford are part of the Government's Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), currently at a draft stage, which lays a foundation for population growth and economic growth in the South West. Originally, Cranbrook was to have 3,500 homes but it was increased to cope with new projections on population growth. As well as homes for tens of thousands of people, it was being planned as a model of 21st-century design.
A new railway station on the Exeter-to-Waterloo line would link the new community with the city and public transport improvements would connect it with Exeter International Airport and major new employment parks planned for the surrounding area.
Mr Jones said that a likely scenario could be that much smaller village-sized developments could be built as seed communities, leading to the larger towns over a longer timescale.
Hugo Swire, the Conservative MP for East Devon, said the delay in Cranbrook was "inevitable" but not necessarily a negative thing.
"It was always inevitable when the developer was Persimmon, which has been laying off jobs recently," he said.
"There is no-one to build the houses and no-one to buy them. Hopefully now we will get Whitehall and central Government off our back and telling us what to do, allowing the local people to take control and use local opinion to build what needs to be built."
No-one from Redrow or Persimmon was available for comment last night.
Ben Bradshaw, the MP for Exeter and Minister for the South West, said he was confident the Cranbrook scheme could be restarted. "It is worrying but not unexpected, given the state the housing construction market is in," he said. "This isn't the end of the Cranbrook scheme."
In a statement last night, the Government Office South West said: "Construction of new homes at Cranbrook cannot start until planning permission has been approved. The actual timing of construction is a matter for the housebuilders.
"The New Growth Point Partnership (East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Devon County, South West Regional Development Agency, the Highways Agency, Cranbrook Consortium (of housebuilders) and Government Office South West) have assumed that the developers will have regard to the credit crunch and housing market downturn and that construction will begin later rather than sooner.
"However, the consortium has repeatedly assured the partnership that it is committed to progressing the present outline planning permission, and negotiations on the contents of the Section 106 Agreements (developer contributions to public amenities and services) are continuing. Planning permission is likely to be granted by the end of this year so the planning process (as opposed to construction) is definitely not 'on hold'.
"The New Growth Point Partnership is considering a proposal to use public funds to build the £11.3m Clyst Honiton bypass ahead of a start at Cranbrook. The consortium would still have to pay it back through a Section 106 Agreement once building at Cranbrook begins. The partnership are considering including the bypass as a project in their Programme of Development Refresh, to be submitted to the Government by October 1."
| |
|
|
Result 23 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Devon Super Council? (Read 92 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Devon Super Council?
« Result #23 on Sept 16, 2008, 1:51pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Cit....il/article.html
City to challenge 'flawed' boundary plan
Monday, September 15, 2008, 18:30
MOVES to redraw Devon's boundaries without allowing Plymouth to grow are flawed and will leave the county badly run, city councillors will be told next week.
The resulting council would be an unwieldy giant covering three-quarters of a million people, many of them living in areas such as Woolwell and Sherford, that are part of Plymouth.
The city is preparing to challenge a plan by the Boundary Committee to create a single super-council for all of Devon, apart from Plymouth and Torbay.
This new council would replace the existing county council and all eight district councils.
During a consultation period earlier this year, Plymouth and Torbay called for their own boundaries to be expanded, leaving the rest of Devon to be run from Exeter.
But the Boundary Committee has supported a concept by Devon County Council. Its recommendations will go to the Government in December.
Plymouth councillors are expected to vote to oppose this proposal, at a meeting of the full city council next Monday.
The city's Cabinet believes that the existing plan will not do the job the Government wants in delivering leadership, value for money, affordability and local empowerment.
Councillors will be asked to support a call to the Boundary Committee to look at the Plymouth and Torbay boundaries at the same time as it reorganises Devon.
"It is inappropriate for the south west of the county to be governed by an administration based in Exeter," the council says. "A centre of local government should be close to where the people actually live.
"The draft proposal would maintain parts of Plymouth's urban area like Woolwell, Langage and Sherford within a completely different council, with services managed from Exeter.
"This is completely illogical, as services to these areas – as well as to other parts of South West Devon – would be better managed from Plymouth."
If the Boundary Committee rejects Plymouth's plea, the city will still have the opportunity to ask for a separate review next year.
The earliest possible date to bring in the new arrangements is April 2010. The latest review follows the rejection of a proposal for a unitary Exeter.
The Boundary Committee has also asked for comments on a plan that would create four unitary councils: Plymouth, Torbay, Devon, and Exeter with Exmouth.
Last week Devon County Council claimed that the reforms proposed by the Boundary Committee would save £29 million in the first five years. The claims were immediately challenged by Exeter City Council and the district councils.
Councillors from South West Devon authorities are meeting in Ivybridge tomorrow to discuss their response to the Boundary Committee.
| |
|
|
Result 24 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Transport Crisis? (Read 60 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Transport Crisis?
« Result #24 on Aug 19, 2008, 10:57am » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/say....il/article.html
Have your say on transport crisis
07:00 - 19-August-2008
ONLY days remain for people to give their views on plans to encourage thousands of new Plymouth residents to abandon their cars and avoid gridlock.
Plymouth City Council has been consulting residents, community groups and businesses about a proposed high-quality public transport route to help cope with thousands of new homes on the fringes of Plympton and Plymstock.
More than 7,000 new homes are expected to be built along the so-called Eastern Corridor, the route into the city centre from that side of the city, by 2026.
The council wants to encourage residents of the 5,500-home Sherford new town and the 1,600-home Morley Park – at the Blue Circle Cement site in Plymstock – to catch the bus, walk or cycle into the city.
It has worked with consultants to draw up a set of proposals to cope with the extra traffic, especially at bottlenecks such as Laira Bridge.
People have until August 29 to give their views if they want to influence what happens.
Plymouth is hemmed in by the sea, rivers and Dartmoor, and building entirely new roads is difficult and expensive.
The city council is instead considering a high-quality public transport route for buses, pedestrians and cyclists and a park-and-ride site at Deep Lane on the A38.
A second crossing could be built over the main road, and the junction could be improved – overcoming concerns about its safety following several accidents.
A 'tidal' bus lane at Laira Bridge, operating in different directions for the morning and evening rush hours, could be implemented.
Pedestrians and cyclists could be moved from the north side of the bridge to the disused rail bridge.
A new outbound lane on Gdynia Way could be built to reduce traffic in Embankment Road, where buses could be given increased bus priority on Embankment Road.
A new southbound link could be built from Embankment Road to Laira Bridge Road to replace the current junction which weaves down a small residential street.
Roads could also be improved through Cattedown and buses could be given more priority on Exeter Street.
The improvements would cost tens of millions of pounds but the council hopes private developers and the Government will pick up a large part of the bill.
Exhibitions have been held at various locations over the last month and leaflets have been sent to households in the East End, Elburton, Plymstock and the area around Deep Lane junction.
The council has received more than 4,000 responses but is keen to get even more feedback before the deadline.
Anyone who wants to have a say should visit the council's website at www.plymouth.gov.uk or contact the council's transport strategy team on 307704 for an information brochure.
| |
|
|
Result 25 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plymouth House Prices (Read 46 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Plymouth House Prices
« Result #25 on Aug 10, 2008, 10:17pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Bet....il/article.html
Better news for first-time buyers
07:00 - 08-augustus-2008
THE credit crunch is putting Plymouth houses back within reach for first-time buyers.
Property prices in the city have been falling by about two per cent a month this year, according to James Moore, valuer for Connells first time buyer centre on Mutley Plain.
Mr Moore said his branch had sold 24 properties in the past month.
"We are regularly selling two or three-bed houses for under £100,000 and one-bedroom flats for under £70,000," he said.
"Despite the challenging market, deals are there to be had."
Darren Lawson, a director of Mansbridge and Balment and chairman of the Plymouth Association of Estate Agents and Surveyors, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for first-time buyers. For the past six or seven years they've been outgunned by the buy-to-let buyers.
"The only fly in the ointment is the lack of fluidity from the lenders."
He said there were a few 95 per cent mortgage deals still available, but most lenders wanted deposits of at least 15 to 20 per cent.
Prices had been driven up as demand outstripped supply, Mr Lawson said.
Frances Turner, Plymouth City Council assistant director for housing, said new building had slumped to the lowest level for 30 years.
She told councillors this week: "A large proportion of households entering the market can no longer afford a home. As a result lettings are increasing, with landlords reporting a four per cent increase in rents."
Ms Turner, presenting the city's draft housing strategy to councillors, said the Government had set a target of three million new homes across the country by 2026. Plymouth's own target is for 5,000 new homes to be built by 2011, 10,000 by 2016 and 29,500 by 2026.
Some of these will be at Sherford new town, to the east of the city, and at Plymstock Quarry.
At Derriford the council aims to create a district shopping centre and 6,606 dwellings, of which 1,951 will be affordable.
More than 400 homes are being built in Devonport, and in Millbay developers want to put up 1,200 homes. More housing is going up at Mount Wise.
Developers must provide 30 per cent of a new scheme of 15 homes or more as affordable housing.
But Ms Turner said the council's goal was not only to provide affordable homes for the low-paid. It also wants to stop the drift of better-paid people into the surrounding countryside by developing high-quality housing.
She said poor standards of housing were contributing to crime and anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol problems.
Devonport, the city centre, North Prospect, Barne Barton and Stonehouse were more deprived than the rest and were council regeneration priorities, along with Efford and the East End.
"Homeowners and private tenants in Plymouth live in some of the worst conditions in the country. Homes can be damp, draughty and downright dangerous," Ms Turner said. "Some of the worst conditions are to be found around Stonehouse."
She said the council was considering a loan scheme for owner-occupiers to improve their homes.
| |
|
|
Result 26 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Cash accolade for planners (Read 55 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Cash accolade for planners
« Result #26 on Aug 7, 2008, 8:52am » | |
THE South Hams has planned its way to a £1million Government grant — the third highest award of its kind in the country.
The cash comes in the shape of a delivery grant, awarded to local authorities who hit all their planning services targets.
It is also a recognition of the major planning efforts the district is making over the new town that is to be built at Sherford on the outskirts of Plymouth and the work on a new local plan for the entire district.
The money will be spent on continuing this work as well as making further improvements to its planning services.
Council leader John Tucker said: "The council has invested in the future of the district by putting plans in place to help deliver affordable homes and land for quality jobs over many years to come.
"This award is not only welcome recognition of our hard work, success and far-sightedness, it also recognises the costs which can be involved and will help the council to continue to make sure we deliver value for money without adding to the tax bill for local people."
The award is based on achievements in a number of areas including:
Speed and effectiveness of plan making;
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/C....il/article.html
Meeting and exceeding Government targets for speed in determining all categories of planning applications; and
Improving planning performance across the board.
Lee Bray, the council's head of community regeneration, said: "This is well-deserved recognition of the immense efforts made by the council — members and officers — over several long, hard years to put in place sound plans for the future of the South Hams.
"The Local Development Framework Core Strategy and the Sherford plan have been highlighted as the main reason for the high level of grant, and the extra funds will help with the difficult task of seeing those plans through to delivery on the ground."
| |
|
|
Result 27 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Regional Development (Read 51 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Regional Development
« Result #27 on Jul 30, 2008, 10:31am » | |
news/story.aspx?brand=EXJOnline&category=news&tBrand=devon24&tCategory=newsexh&itemid=DEED29%20Jul%202008%2016%3A44%3A55 %3A163
Council concerns over regional development
29 July 2008
DEVON County Council today (Tue 29 July) expressed its deep concern over the changes being proposed by Government to the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West.
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears, published the proposed changes to the plan for the South West last week marking the start of a 12 week consultation.
The changes now being proposed provide for significant additional levels of development for the Exeter Housing Market Area, including an increase in growth in Exeter by 25%. Major additional growth at Newton Abbot is proposed to double to 8,000.
A further increase in growth rates is proposed in Plymouth, although the scale of development planned for Torbay has been reduced from 20,000 to 15,000.
Elsewhere in Devon, 10,700 extra homes proposed for Torridge District after an Examination in Public into the RSS held last summer, have been retained - despite the concerns expressed to the Secretary of State by Devon County Council in January.
Councillor Humphrey Temperley, the County Council's Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "The changes proposed by the Secretary of State represent a major challenge to local authorities and other agencies concerned with the future development of Devon. While the County Council is fully supportive of the need to improve the supply of affordable housing for Devon's residents, and the need to enhance the area's economic performance, the Government must recognise that these objectives can only be realised if essential supporting infrastructure is put in place.
"I wrote to the Secretary of State earlier this year to express my concern about the failure of the RSS to address the issue of infrastructure delivery. The Secretary of State clearly shares this concern and has now proposed that further urgent work be undertaken to assess infrastructure needs, priorities and funding. I welcome this recognition, but I remain deeply concerned about how the delivery of new development is going to be supported by a phased programme of fully funded infrastructure investment.
"Within Devon, the development proposals for the Exeter and Newton Abbot areas will require major investment in transport and other infrastructure, and the regeneration of the Torbay area is directly linked to the delivery of the South Devon Link Road. Infrastructure is also key to the delivery of the Sherford new community near Plymouth, and the Secretary of State's proposals to add significantly to development within the city only serve to emphasise its importance.
"The scale of growth proposed for the Torridge area will require a rate of new housing development well in excess of anything achieved in the recent past and, in a relatively remote rural area with few larger towns, it is hard to see how this scale of development can be delivered in a sustainable way - not least in terms of the availability of decent jobs, public transport and accessibility for residents."
The County Council, in partnership with the District Councils, is currently undertaking extensive studies of infrastructure needs - particularly in Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge and it is anticipated that this work will inform any assessments undertaken at the regional level.
Over the next few weeks the County Council will liaise closely with other authorities in the area in order to develop its formal response to the changes proposed by the Secretary of State. The deadline for comments is 17 October.
Once the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West is approved by Government it will provide the basis for which all local authority development plan documents will need to conform.
| |
|
|
Result 28 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Village Confusion? (Read 71 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Village Confusion?
« Result #28 on Jul 26, 2008, 6:09am » | |
Do you really think this is a problem? 
So many towns and villages across the UK have the same names.
| |
|
|
Result 29 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Village Confusion? (Read 67 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Village Confusion?
« Result #29 on Jul 26, 2008, 6:08am » | |
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/V....il/article.html
Villagers fear name confusion will cause chaos
17:28 - 25-July-2008
A TINY South Devon village which fears its name is being stolen by a major new town just 20 miles away has been told tough luck.
The village of Sherford near Kingsbridge, with a population of less than 1,000, dates back to the Domesday Book.
The new town of Sherford will have some 5,500 homes on the outskirts of Plymouth. It has yet to be built.
But Sherford villagers already fear there will be major confusion involving delivery lorries and emergency services unless the new town is given a new name.
But they have been told changing the new town's name will cost money and cause too much confusion to people living at the western end of the South Hams and Plymouth.
South Hams executive councillor Mike Saltern said that one day the council could look at renaming the new town with something like Newton Sherford or Sherford Newton – but not now.
Sherford's district and county councillor Julian Brazil warned villagers would be 'disappointed and concerned' at the decision.
He added: “If you are calling the emergency services and say Sherford, what guarantee can there be that somebody at the emergency centre in Exeter is going to understand which Sherford that is?”
Residents of Sherford fear their village, with is 14th century church, will not only lose its identity but will also end up swamped with cars and lorries heading for the new town site 20 miles down the road, especially if they are using sat-nav equipment.
Mr Brazil had asked South Hams Council if naming the new town Sherford is actually an example of good planning.
Mr Saltern said that, while he understood the concerns of Sherford villagers, changing the name at the moment would involve the cost of re-branding the new town and changing a huge amount of documentation.
“There is the potential to cause confusion to communities at the western end of the district and Plymouth,” he said.
He said the new town name was based on local places including the Sherford Valley and West East and Higher Sherford farms.
And he claimed that the 'difference in scale' between the two communities would help to avoid any confusion.
He also said that the council would be prepared to consider a different name for the new town some time in the future but, for the time being, it would keep the 'working title' of Sherford.
| |
|
|
Result 30 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Village Confusion? (Read 71 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Village Confusion?
« Result #30 on Jul 26, 2008, 6:05am » | |
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/V....il/article.html
Villagers fear name confusion will cause chaos
17:28 - 25-July-2008
A TINY South Devon village which fears its name is being stolen by a major new town just 20 miles away has been told tough luck.
The village of Sherford near Kingsbridge, with a population of less than 1,000, dates back to the Domesday Book.
The new town of Sherford will have some 5,500 homes on the outskirts of Plymouth. It has yet to be built.
But Sherford villagers already fear there will be major confusion involving delivery lorries and emergency services unless the new town is given a new name.
But they have been told changing the new town's name will cost money and cause too much confusion to people living at the western end of the South Hams and Plymouth.
South Hams executive councillor Mike Saltern said that one day the council could look at renaming the new town with something like Newton Sherford or Sherford Newton – but not now.
Sherford's district and county councillor Julian Brazil warned villagers would be 'disappointed and concerned' at the decision.
He added: “If you are calling the emergency services and say Sherford, what guarantee can there be that somebody at the emergency centre in Exeter is going to understand which Sherford that is?”
Residents of Sherford fear their village, with is 14th century church, will not only lose its identity but will also end up swamped with cars and lorries heading for the new town site 20 miles down the road, especially if they are using sat-nav equipment.
Mr Brazil had asked South Hams Council if naming the new town Sherford is actually an example of good planning.
Mr Saltern said that, while he understood the concerns of Sherford villagers, changing the name at the moment would involve the cost of re-branding the new town and changing a huge amount of documentation.
“There is the potential to cause confusion to communities at the western end of the district and Plymouth,” he said.
He said the new town name was based on local places including the Sherford Valley and West East and Higher Sherford farms.
And he claimed that the 'difference in scale' between the two communities would help to avoid any confusion.
He also said that the council would be prepared to consider a different name for the new town some time in the future but, for the time being, it would keep the 'working title' of Sherford.
| |
|
|
Result 31 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Queen & Charles drive for Eco-Towns (Read 51 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Queen & Charles drive for Eco-Towns
« Result #31 on Jul 8, 2008, 11:46pm » | |
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jul/09/greenbuilding.ethicalliving
Environment: Queen and Charles throw crown into the ring in government drive for ecotowns
· 5,000-home project from MoD and royal estate
· Prince's foundation to advise on local input
James Meikle
The Guardian, Wednesday July 9, 2008
The Queen and the Prince of Wales have joined the race to be part of the government's controversial ecotown scheme, with the crown estate acting as partner in a consortium that hopes to built a town of 5,000 houses near Nottingham.
Prince Charles's Foundation for the Built Environment has been asked to advise on the scheme's design and to try to ensure community involvement from the outset for the project.
The prince has been personally involved in the development of "more sustainable" communities. He set up the Poundbury development on Duchy of Cornwall land in Dorset a decade ago and is now helping develop a town with homes for 12,000 people at Sherford, near Plymouth, and a 4,000-home ecovillage near Neath, Wales. His foundation has also advised government bodies developing "urban extensions" to existing towns.
The crown estate, which manages a £7bn portfolio of the Queen's property and gives its revenue to the Treasury, has joined up with the MoD and the company Newton Nottingham LLP to develop property owned by the three around the former RAF base at Newton, near Bingham in Nottinghamshire.
The site replaces another previously selected, at nearby Kingston on Soar, the suitability of which was questioned by civil servants. The Guardian understands the government's housing department approached the landowners to see if they would put together an outline proposal.
Details remain sketchy at this stage because the partners in the scheme claim they want to involve the local community from the start. But the proposals include discounted public transport passes for residents, car-free areas and restricted parking zones, food and biomass fuel production, home-based offices, and business units for local graduates. Two or three primary schools are planned as well as "significant levels" of low-cost and social housing for rent.
Nick Harper, head of asset management and development for the crown, speaking for all the landowners, said: "We are keen to engage with residents and politicians to hear more about their ideas and aspirations and hope that our initial assessment will provide a sound platform on which an informed debate can be taken forward."
Hank Dittmar, chief executive of The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, said stand-alone towns had to meet several principles for true sustainability. "We would be looking for a genuine mix of types of homes, jobs and amenities, such that everyday needs could be met within a five-minute walk ... we're interested in evolving vernacular building traditions - by which we mean building methods and materials that are synonymous with a particular area - to meet 21st century challenges of post peak oil, climate change and population growth."
In the past fortnight three developers have dropped out of building ecotowns. Gallagher Estates, which is behind one of two overlapping bids to create an ecotown south of Bedford, became the latest developer to withdraw.
The Guardian revealed yesterday that a consortium behind an ecotown at Curborough, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, had quit, while East Lindsey district council, in Lincolnshire, last month pulled out from a list of 17 shortlisted bids for 15 sites. Now there are only 13 sites left from which the government intends to select five to 10 ecotown projects.
Tories, whose pledge is to scrap any ecotown plans not enjoying local support, claim the wheels are coming off the government's scheme as many of the bids have fallen short on green credentials.
| |
|
|
Result 32 of 98:
Result 33 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Talk Eco-Towns (Read 48 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Talk Eco-Towns
« Result #33 on Jul 8, 2008, 11:38pm » | |
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/07/planning.housing
Time to talk about eco-towns
The Campaign to Protect Rural England knows something about housing and planning. The government should listen to us
All comments (20)
When the Government announced its eco-town programme, it would have been easy for the Campaign to Protect Rural England to oppose the idea out of hand. The proposals were bound to arouse strong opposition. We could have cashed in on this. However, we recognise that the country needs more housing, particularly affordable housing. And the prospect of building genuinely eco settlements, demonstrating how we can lead more sustainable lives, is exciting.
So instead of opposing the plans we set out 10 tests for judging the new eco-towns. The government's shortlist, announced in April, was deeply disappointing, not least because it excluded proposals strongly supported by our regional groups in the north west and north east. But we have carried on examining the proposals and trying to get more information about them – the whole process is clouded by "commercial confidentiality" – and we have even been able to give conditional support to the proposed Bordon-Whitehill eco-town in Hampshire.
In addition, we want Carrington, a brownfield site on the edge of Manchester that did not make the shortlist, reconsidered. It was rejected because it is not free-standing – but as Simon Jenkins has pointed out, big cities can be the true eco-towns. We also want more thought given to developing eco-quarters within existing settlements – not only big cities, but also market towns and villages. There is certainly a lot that can be done to make existing settlements more sustainable, socially as well as environmentally (see Becky Willis's research for CPRE on the proximity principle).
The consultation on eco-towns has now closed and we have urged the government to go back to the drawing board. Most of the proposed eco-towns go against local plans – in some cases, they are simply dusted-down schemes that have previously been rejected by democratic planning authorities. Because they are free-standing, those that lack rail links (the majority) risk becoming car-dependent housing estates, with non-drivers stranded. Even the energy-efficiency of the housing is being called into question: all that will now be required is a level three sustainability rating, which all new houses will have to meet in a couple of years' time anyway. Hardly groundbreaking.
We were told eco-towns would make good use of previously developed land. Again, this is not the case. It seems from details gleaned from developers that 12 of the proposed eco-towns will be built mostly on greenfield land, including green belt land in one case.
Our press release was greeted by a government spokesperson with a sneer about CPRE "reverting to type, opposing the housing that young families and first time buyers need". We are accused of "preferring to perpetuate myths rather than engaging in the debate about how we can build the houses we need".
But the government should know that we participated in its Affordable Rural Housing Commission; that we joined forces with the National Housing Federation under the banner "protect rural England: build an affordable home"; and that our branches across the country are engaged in developing local plans precisely to ensure that we are able to build the houses we need built. In some cases, such as in Elmswell, Suffolk, our branches team up with local housing associations.
Caroline Flint may not know this because, in spite of several requests, she has not met us. Nor, come to that, can we get a meeting with John Healey, who is responsible for the Planning Bill.
This is a pity. No NGO has a right to meet ministers, but we do know something about housing and planning. We are, for instance, the biggest third party participant in the planning system in England. Our regional groups and county branches work hard to influence regional and local plans, and our 2,000 volunteers look at more than 100,000 planning applications a year.
So however unpalatable some of our messages may be, we do have something to offer. The government has plenty of contact on housing and planning with the CBI, the house building industry and housing charities. It might get a more rounded view if it also listened to environmental organisations. I remember the Labour Listens campaign of the 1980s. It is time for the government to listen again.
| |
|
|
Result 34 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Second Homes? (Read 29 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Second Homes?
« Result #34 on Jul 8, 2008, 11:37pm » | |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7493445.stm
Call for ban on 'eco-town' second homes
By Tom Warren
BBC News
Second-home investors should be stopped from buying properties in so-called "eco-towns", it has been claimed.
Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), said planning conditions could be needed to ensure local buyers were not priced out of the market.
The government insists that between 30% and 50% of homes in all the new towns will be affordable.
But Mr Bolton King said "careful thought" was needed to ensure local people could afford to move into them.
"There's almost bound to be high demand. Are they (planners) going to say a percentage of these properties are only available to people living in the local area?
"That debate has still got to be had because I personally would like to see help given to local people who are looking for a home.
"It would enable them to get onto a property ladder rather than people from outside saying, 'that's a nice place to live'."
Under government plans the current list of 15 sites will be narrowed down to 10 after a second wave of consultation.
Protesters and groups such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) fear the towns could be built on greenfield sites, where previous housing plans have already been rejected.
There are also concerns the new towns could become little more than commuter suburbs.
Despite all the protests, the NAEA believes "eco-town" homes will prove popular.
'Real problem'
Mr Bolton King said towns like Middle Quinton, a proposed 6,000-home development six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, could become sought-after locations.
"If you take the Stratford area, you've got a situation where it's high priced properties, there's therefore a real problem with a shortage of affordable property," he said.
"There could be an argument that says there's going to be opportunities for people to get onto the property ladder in a nice area that's convenient."
Demand could also be high from buy-to-let investors, he added.
"At the moment in many areas, because people aren't buying properties, there's been a big increase in people wanting to rent and we're finding there's a shortage of property.
"I think very careful thought has to be given as to whether there needs to be planning conditions to stop properties being bought up as second homes," he said.
Richard Copus, from the Devon branch of the NAEA, said he thought spiralling gas and electricity bills would encourage many people to buy better insulated eco-homes.
"With the way everything is going at the moment with high fuel costs, any new home that will lead to a reduction in bills will lead all the others," he said.
He said buyers would be willing to pay more for eco-homes if they saved money on bills in the long run.
Continued car use
And he agreed measures should be considered to stop investors buying many of the properties.
"I would be surprised if there weren't restrictions on them to stop second home ownership," he said.
A key part of the "eco-town" plans is meant to be that residents use public transport, walk or cycle, rather than using their cars.
But Mr Copus said it was inevitable that people living in new towns would continue to use their own vehicles roads.
"We're always going to get commuters, at the end of the day I think we've got to accept that," he added.
A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the government was committed to ensuring first-time buyers and people on low incomes could afford to move to the proposed new towns.
He added initiatives such as shared equity schemes would be available to help people get onto the property ladder.
| |
|
|
Result 35 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Devon Super Council? (Read 92 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Devon Super Council?
« Result #35 on Jul 8, 2008, 10:35pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Exp....il/article.html
Expanded county council would be 'ungovernable'
10:40 - 11-June-2008
TWO Westcountry councils have clashed amid claims that one of them is promoting an “ungovernable” agenda for the future of local government.
Plymouth City Council launched the broadside at the Devon county authority over its proposals for a shake-up of council boundaries.
The new unitary authority would not be able to “effectively serve rural and market towns” because it would be trying to link a “gigantic bureaucracy”, according to Plymouth's chief executive, Barry Keel.
Devon County Council replied by saying it was “a little surprised by Plymouth City Council's comments at this time”.
The two authorities have put in rival bids over a shake-up of local authority boundaries.
It has profound implications for their economic prospects, housing needs, service delivery, council tax and the political make-up of the councils.
Plymouth could take control of places such as Wembury, Tavistock, Ivybridge and new town Sherford. Meanwhile, East Devon wants to merge with Exeter to form one authority.
Torbay has put forward proposals which would see it widen its boundaries to take in neighbouring towns and villages, while Devon county wants to create a unitary authority that would encompass 28 communities.
Other district authorities have also submitted their proposals to the Boundary Committee for mergers and expansions.
The move comes after Cornwall was granted permission to replace its county council and six districts with one unitary authority from April 2009, which is expected to free up £15.4 million for reinvestment.
Now the rivalry over the submissions has intensified between the Plymouth and Devon authorities.
Plymouth claims the county council's proposals would create the second biggest council in the country after Birmingham.
It says: “In terms of area, it would occupy a geographical space over 20 times the size of Birmingham. It would be quicker for someone from Tavistock to drive to Land's End than to cross this new county.”
Plymouth's chief executive, Barry Keel, told the WMN: “We do not believe that the approach set out by the county council acknowledges the significant role that parishes and towns councils have in the local community.
“It seems unclear and confused in its governance arrangements. This is not surprising when you realise that they are trying to link a gigantic bureaucracy with parishes having populations of a few hundred people. It does not make sense.”
The Conservative leader of Plymouth City Council, Coun Vivien Pengelly, went on to accuse Devon County Council of basing its proposals on a “paternalistic approach and political expediency rather than robust arguments”.
She said: “Rural communities such as those around Tavistock and Ivybridge would be governed from Exeter. They would be competing for resources with North and East Devon – areas which they do not relate to.”
The county council envisages elected decision-making boards, with a budget of around £200,000, for each of the 28 communities covered by the new boundary. It argues that this would bring democracy to a more local level.
Plymouth's plans would require the creation of 42,000 new jobs in its travel to work area, 45,000 new homes, and would see the city's population grow from around 240,000 to 300,000 over the next 20 years.
It says in its submission: “Woolwell and Langage... are clearly functionally part of the Plymouth urban area, as indeed will be the Sherford and Staddiscome urban extensions once they are built. It is inefficient to run services for these areas from another authority, and for governance arrangements in them to relate to a more distant centre of administration and accountability.”
A Devon County Council spokesman defended the authority's submission, saying: “The county council welcomes the review and looks forward to the publication of the Boundary Committee's proposals in July for 12 weeks of public consultation, when everyone will have an opportunity to give their views.
“We are a little surprised by Plymouth City Council's comments at this time. We certainly believe our concept offers real local accountability, genuine devolution of power and a great opportunity for town and parish councils to expand their role, but it would be sensible to wait and see what the Boundary Committee makes of this and any other ideas first before rushing into print.”
The committee is due to publish its proposals on July 7.
| |
|
|
Result 36 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Devon Super Council? (Read 92 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Devon Super Council?
« Result #36 on Jul 8, 2008, 10:34pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Cit....il/article.html
City leader says no to Devon super council plan
17:29 - 07-July-2008
PLYMOUTH City Council leader Vivien Pengelly has called for people to reject the idea of a unitary 'super council' for Devon.
The Tory councillor wants residents in Plymouth and South West Devon to make representations against the proposal during the Boundary Committee's consultation.
And she called for Plymouth's proposal – to extend its boundaries and take in Tavistock, Ivybridge, Sherford and Wembury – to be reconsidered by the Boundary Committee.
She said the committee's “hands were tied” over considering changes to Plymouth, because of the remit set by the Government.
She said: “It is clearly a nonsense to exclude Plymouth from such an important decision.”
Meanwhile, South West Devon MP Gary Streeter is anxious to learn how such a huge authority, run from Exeter, can represent people in rural towns and villages in his constituency.
The Boundary Committee has proposed not to change the local government boundaries of Plymouth and Torbay, but to create a super unitary authority for the rest of Devon.
However, it will look again at whether there should be a fourth authority, to cover Exeter and Exmouth.
Cllr Pengelly said she was “extremely disappointed” at the super council proposal, which would mean the South Hams and West Devon councils disappearing and councillors representing much larger wards.
She said: “We believe the proposed super unitary authority is wrong for the county, and for the districts and parishes in South West Devon that were included in our proposals.
“It means these areas will be governed by a remote and highly bureaucratic council based in Exeter and will be competing for resources and attention against more than 400 other parishes.
“The proposals we put forward would have given communities in South West Devon a greater say in the delivery of services.”
Mr Streeter stressed that “most people in rural area were against” the expanded Plymouth idea, but nevertheless wanted more details of how a super council run from Exeter would ensure “local communities' voices are still heard”.
“It's making government more remote,” he said.
South Hams and West Devon District Councils were also disappointed.
They had called for a unitary authority which encompasses both districts, and part of Dartmoor.
Both authorities fear the proposed system will result in ward sizes increasing from about 2,500 people to more than 8,000.
West Devon Borough Council leader Cllr James McInnes said an Exeter-run authority could be “too big and unwieldy”.
He doubted it would bring council tax savings for voters, saying only central government would benefit.
“Our task is to make sure the proposals are thoroughly researched,” he said.
Cllr John Tucker, leader of South Hams District Council, said it was “essential” people have their say on the proposals.
He said: “We have got to work through the issues and come out with a way forward”.
Cllr Tucker is concerned jobs could be lost, and said 400 posts have gone as Cornwall moves to a unitary system.
“It's the top tier of management that will be reduced,” he predicted.
South Hams District Councillor Keith Baldry added: “It's too early to say how many jobs would go, but people may have to relocate.”
Max Caller, Boundary Committee chairman, said: “These proposals have the potential to offer people in Devon stronger local government capable of providing better and more efficient services.
“Your responses to the draft proposal will inform the advice we give (the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government) so tell us what you think. More importantly, tell us why you think that.”
The consultation period runs until September 26. The Boundary Committee will then consider responses before making recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government by December 31.
The Government is expected to announce its decision by next February .
Responses to the draft proposal can be made by filling in a form at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk or writing to: Review Manager, (Devon Review), the Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2HW.
| |
|
|
Result 37 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plymouth Webcam (Read 68 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | |
|
Result 38 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Redtree Press Release (Read 101 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Redtree Press Release
« Result #38 on May 15, 2008, 2:26pm » | |
http://www.redtreellp.com/default.asp?2
RED TREE WELCOMES DECISION ON SHERFORD BY PLANNING COMMITTEE 25th April 2008
The delivery of Sherford passed a significant milestone on April 23 as South Hams District Council's Development Control Committee followed Plymouth on April 15 and Devon at the end of last year in endorsing the planning application submitted by Red Tree.
The passing of the 'Resolution to Grant' by the District is the culmination of a lengthy planning process that has involved widespread debate and consultation.
Speaking about the decision, James Koe, partner at Red Tree, commented:
"Following such protracted debate over the last few years, I welcome the decision which gives Red Tree not only the right to take development forward but an enormous responsibility to deliver a community that the region can be proud of. A proposal on this scale is a major undertaking and has involved the engagement of an enormous number of individuals and groups all of whom have committed time, skill and patience to the challenge. The process is far from over and we look forward to moving into the next phase of this project and are keeping the door to positive involvement firmly open.
"It is not every day that you get approval to build a town, subject of course to very detailed conditions, and this is a unique opportunity to show what can be done if the right skill-sets and passion are focussed on the job. Our task is to ensure that Sherford is a community which will be vibrant and a place in which people love to live and work. It is a very beautiful Devon valley on the edge of the Moor, a stone's throw to one of the most wonderful coastlines in England and also an integral part of reinvigorating the city of Plymouth. There can be fewer more exiting development projects in the country."
Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive of the The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, the masterplanners for Sherford, said: "It's a credit to all involved in the Sherford project that the South Hams and Plymouth now stand to inherit an outstanding example of traditional urban design that is bound to positively benefit generations of people to come.
"The work of the design team, including our Senior Fellow Paul Murrain, and Director of Design Theory Ben Bolgar has been tireless in pursuit of a beautiful and environmentally sensitive place that will pay dividends socially, economically and ecologically. The Prince's Foundation looks forward to continued involvement in assuring ongoing quality delivery and to embracing Sherford within our portfolio of projects that will teach and exemplify good urbanism nationally and internationally."
The application documents for Sherford have been scrutinised in detail by independent experts, statutory bodies and planning authorities themselves across a very wide range of specialist and technical fields. An independent assessment of its environmental sustainability and energy efficiency by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) concluded that the 'highly commendable' proposals were rated 'Exemplar' - the first time that such a distinction has been awarded to a planning application on this scale.
In making their decision today, the Members must have taken some comfort also from the fact that following more than four years of detailed dialogue and public consultation there were relatively few objectors to the proposals. A total of 29 letters of representation were received by members of the public, a number of which were in support. This is testament to the levels of community engagement from The Prince's Foundation led Enquiry by Design, Community Steering Group and the many public events and workshops that have been hosted both by Red Tree and the planning authorities.
Importantly, Sherford is the first planning application of this scale to receive approval under the new Local Development Framework system. The detailed planning process for Sherford began with an Enquiry by Design held in 2004. Following this, South Hams District Council published the Sherford Area Action Plan (a Sherford specific development plan document) Issues and Options in October 2004. Preferred Options was published in June 2005 and Submission Stage in June 2006. Following an Examination in January to April 2007 by the Planning Inspectorate the Sherford AAP was adopted in August 2007.
Plymouth City Council followed a similar timescale for the North Plymstock Area Action Plan, which covers the south west corner of Sherford, also adopting their Area Action Plan in August 2007.
James Koe commented "We have found it very interesting to be at the forefront of the new LDF process. No new process is perfect, but if you look at the timeline from the start of the detailed planning process to receiving Resolution to Grant for this major planning application for a new town, the 'flash to bang' was under four years. It can seem like a lifetime but it is quite an achievement for all involved".
Red Tree now looks forward to continuing to work closely with South Hams District Council Plymouth City Council and Devon County Council in refining and concluding the planning agreement for Sherford and in parallel putting in place the elements necessary to implement a planning permission. Subject to this, Red Tree would commence development on the site in late 2008, early 2009.
| |
|
|
Result 39 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: "Eco-Town" Given Green Light (Read 81 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | "Eco-Town" Given Green Light
« Result #39 on May 15, 2008, 2:21pm » | |
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopi....Prince-Charles-'eco-town'-given-green-light.html
Prince Charles 'eco-town' given green light
Last Updated: 3:59PM BST 03/05/2008
The Prince of Wales has been granted permission to create an 'eco-town' in Devon where every home comes free with a bicycle and wind-generated electricity.
Sherford, on the south west coast, is billed as the greenest settlement in Britain and will be home to 12,000 people.
The Prince's advisers have suggested that cars should be banned from some areas and three quarters of buildings fitted with solar power panels.
The ambience of the town will be traditionally English. Its Georgian-style high street will be modelled on the Wiltshire market town of Marlborough and there are plans for a cricket pitch and bowling green. No buildings will be taller than five storeys.
The Prince has said he wants to build places "we all know strike a chord in our, by now, rather bewildered hearts, however 'modern' we are - places that convey an everlasting human story of meaning and belonging".
The project is due to be completed by 2020 on the rolling farmland on the edge of Plymouth and planners intend half of all Sherford's energy to come from renewable sources on site. Wind turbines will loom over the town's 400-acre park.
Work places employing an estimated 7,000 people will have roofs planted with greenery or covered with a thin layer of rubble to encourage insects and birds. An organic farm is planned for the park.
Unlike Poundbury, the town in Dorset which the Prince built a decade ago on the Duchy of Cornwall, Sherford will be built on private land owned by the developers Red Tree.
It has been designed in collaboration with a private development consortium, including the Royal Bank of Scotland.
When first proposed residents in the neighbouring village of Brixton lodged 3,000 objections. Opposition was dropped after villagers were involved in the design process.
"This is beautiful countryside with a stream running through it and it's a d**n shame," said Derek Curtis, a parish councillor.
"But we have decided to make the best of it. We have all been to see Poundbury and architecturally it was much better than what local councils and housebuilders have done in the past."
Hank Dittmar, the chief executive of the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, said: "We try to design places that are timeless and will be as efficient and enduring in 100 years as they are today. Building something of our time can often mean we look back in 10 years and think, 'Oh my God, what were we thinking of?'.
"We have tried to study the past and its techniques and improve it."
| |
|
|
Result 40 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Free Bikes, No uPVC (Read 47 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Free Bikes, No uPVC
« Result #40 on May 15, 2008, 2:19pm » | |
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/02/greenbuilding.ethicalliving
Free bikes, no uPVC - green light for prince's ecotown
A hi-tech, but traditional style community is about to be built in south Devon
Robert Booth
The Guardian, Friday May 2 2008 Article history
Sherford, the Prince of Wales's south Devon ecotown for 12,000 people, which has been granted planning permission
The first homes will come with a free bicycle, and giant wind turbines will power mandatory low-energy light bulbs. Welcome to Sherford, the Prince of Wales's south Devon ecotown for 12,000 people, which has been granted planning permission.
Cars are likely to be banned from some areas and the sun's rays will be harnessed to heat water in what the prince's advisers believe will be the greenest new settlement in Britain.
Sherford has been designed in collaboration with a private development consortium including the Royal Bank of Scotland. Like Poundbury, the new town in Dorset which Charles started building on his Duchy of Cornwall land 10 years ago, the buildings are inspired by historic townscapes.
A Georgian-style high street modelled on the Wiltshire market town of Marlborough will become the backbone of the new community, to be built between now and 2020 on rolling farmland on the edge of Plymouth.
To capture the ambience of a traditional English town, the prince's advisers have instructed that no building will be taller than five storeys and there are plans for a dedicated cricket pitch and a bowling green.
The prince has said he wants to "build again the types of places we all know strike a chord in our, by now, rather bewildered hearts, however 'modern' we are - places that convey an everlasting human story of meaning and belonging".
But while his antipathy to modernity means uPVC windows will banned in Sherford, his advisers are determined to harness the latest renewable energy technologies.
The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment and the developer Red Tree intend half of all Sherford's energy to come from renewable sources on site, mostly from 120-metre (390ft) turbines looming over the town's 400 acre park, and local biomass heating and power systems that run on renewable fuels.
It is hoped that two-thirds of the bulky construction materials will be sourced from within a 50-mile radius and that CO2 emissions from the homes and businesses will be 60% lower than demanded by building regulations. Work buildings employing an estimated 7,000 people will have roofs planted with greenery or covered with a thin layer of rubble to encourage insects and birds. Three-quarters of buildings will be fitted with solar power systems and an organic farm for local food production is planned in the park.
Unlike Poundbury, built on Duchy land, Sherford is built on private land owned by Red Tree. The plans follow government estimates that 2.5m new homes are needed in the country in the next 10 years to meet rising demand.
When Sherford was first proposed residents in the neighbouring village of Brixton lodged 3,000 objections. Opposition was dropped after villagers were involved in the design process.
"This is beautiful countryside with a stream running through and it's a d**n shame," said Derek Curtis, a parish councillor. "But we have decided to make the best of it. We have all been to see Poundbury and architecturally it was much better than what local councils and housebuilders have done in the past."
Building Sherford will involve removing more than a mile of hedgerow, and the loss of wildlife habitats. The developers claim they will increase the number of native trees and that farmland birds such as the linnet will be relocated to the park. The wind turbines will also affect the setting of an iron age hill fort, and housing could be built over two possible bronze age burial mounds.
"We try to design places that are timeless and will be as efficient and enduring in 100 years as they are today," said Hank Dittmar, chief executive of the Prince's Foundation.
"Building something of our time can often mean we look back in 10 years and think, 'Oh my God, what were we thinking of?'. We have tried to study the past and its techniques and improve it for today."
| |
|
|
Result 41 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Site of New Town Named (Read 295 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Site of New Town Named
« Result #41 on Aug 13, 2007, 7:01pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....&pNodeId=133174
SITE OF NEW TOWN IS FINALLY NAMED
06:50 - 21 July 2007
Sherford new town got the green light yesterday. The development east of Plymouth will bring affordable housing in the idyllic South Hams within reach for thousands of city families.Plans by South Hams District Council and the developer Red Tree to build a community of 5,500 homes were approved by a government-appointed inspector.
Half of the new properties will be affordable homes - and about 85 per cent of those will be for Plymouth people, according to Paul Barnard, the city's top planning official.
The first homes are expected on the site in Sherford Valley south of the A38 at Deep Lane in 2009, and 5,500 homes will be built by 2021.
However, Mr Barnard said development could continue beyond that: "There is provision in the North Plymstock Area Action Plan for the future westward growth back into the city."
John Tucker, the leader of South Hams District Council, welcomed the high level of affordable housing.
"We don't want to build houses that someone is going to make a million on the following week," he said. "We want to build houses that are affordable for local people.
"The way Plymouth is growing, there are a lot of families who want to move out of the city. Sherford will help their quality of life. It shouldn't just be for the rich people. Everyone is entitled to a decent quality of life."
John Waldron, area director of Connells estate agents, said: "The South Hams is in dire need of affordable housing. Many South Hams villages are heavily populated by second homes, which drives up prices and prices out local people, particularly young couples.
"The fact that so much of Sherford will be affordable will probably draw in people from Plymouth.
"But it will not have a significant effect on property values because there is such a huge, pent-up demand, and this development will take place over a number of years."
The Sherford development is covered by the Sherford Area Action Plan, which inspector Nigel Payne declared to be 'sound' on most points.
A second inspector found the North Plymstock Area Action Plan to be sound, further opening the door for the Sherford development.
The decision is a blow for the Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society's alternative, known as Sherford Refined, which would have moved the development farther south in the Sherford Valley between Plympton and Plymstock.
"Whilst recognising that the alternative site, known as Sherford Refined, has a few advantages ... I have firmly concluded that, overall, the identified site is clearly to be preferred," Mr Payne said.
The Co-operative Society said: "Despite huge local opposition in the Elburton area, the inspector has decided that it is acceptable to construct a road through the King George V playing fields. "The road will be a direct route from Sherford new community, linking through to Haye Road."
Douglas Fletcher, the society's chief executive, said: "The interesting issue now is whether the members of Plymouth City Council are prepared to vote for this to happen. I am sure that local residents will make their feelings clear to their local councillors on that matter.
"Our presentation of Sherford Refined has ensured that there has been a proper debate rather than a 'rubber-stamping'."
Vivien Pengelly, the leader of Plymouth City Council, was 'bitterly disappointed' that the inspector did not take on board all of her party's concerns.
"While in opposition we voted against the North Plymstock Area Action Plan as we were unhappy with a number of key points," she said. "I was disappointed that the government inspector did not take into account all the concerns we raised.
"We are particularly concerned about the King George V playing fields. We shall work to ensure that the planned link road to the A379 goes to the north of the playing fields.
"We will also work with South Hams to gain a swimming pool within the Plymstock boundary."
South Hams will formally adopt the plan on August 2, and Plymouth City Council's own debate will follow on August 6.
Patrick Nicholson, the Conservative city councillor for Plympton St Mary, said that August 6 was too soon to be adopting the report. "I think it's a sad day for Plympton and Plymstock," he said. "This is a development we'll be living with for ever.
"The implications for Plympton are horrendous as far as traffic is concerned."
| |
|
|
Result 42 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford Refined?
« Result #42 on Feb 8, 2007, 5:04pm » | |
Quote:| Plymouth and Southwest Co-operative Society have launched a new website that explains the Sherford Refined proposal. You can visit this at www.sherfordrefined.info |
|
Thanks for the link Martin 
| |
|
|
Result 43 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
martinhughes
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1
Karma: 1 | | Re: Sherford Refined?
« Result #43 on Feb 8, 2007, 10:25am » | |
Plymouth and Southwest Co-operative Society have launched a new website that explains the Sherford Refined proposal. You can visit this at www.sherfordrefined.info
| |
|
|
Result 44 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plympton Victoria Rugby Club (Read 389 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Plympton Victoria Rugby Club
« Result #44 on Jan 15, 2007, 3:46pm » | |
The Plympton Victoria Rugby Club that play at the King George V playing fields, between Plympton and Elburton.
www.plymvic.yows.co.uk
![[image]](http://www.plymvic.yows.co.uk/images/Plympton-Victoria%20Dec%202006%20Sm.jpg)
| |
|
|
Result 45 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plympton History (Read 229 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | |
|
Result 46 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plympton Town Website (Read 222 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Plympton Town Website
« Result #46 on Jan 15, 2007, 3:40pm » | |
Plympton has a wonderful town website at - www.plympton.info
![[image]](http://www.plympton.info/images/vwcastlee03S.jpg)
| |
|
|
Result 47 of 98:
Result 48 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Final Sherford Plans (Read 122 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Final Sherford Plans
« Result #48 on Jan 15, 2007, 12:54pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
PROTESTS DROPPED OVER PLAN
5 readers have commented on this story. Click here to read their views.
CARL EVE HERALD REPORTER
11:50 - 15 January 2007
A community group which originally opposed plans for the new town of Sherford has now said it agrees with the developer's scheme - just as Tory councillors have re-dedicated themselves to the 'Sherford Refined' proposal.Created by developers Red Tree, the planned new town - which will include thousands of new homes, schools, a health centre, wind turbines and large business park - followed a three-year public consultation.
In November, The Herald revealed a contentious link road to the A379 through the King George V playing fields in Elburton would be rerouted to the north. The re-routing followed an outcry from residents, including the Plymstock Community Forum.
However, Gill Whillock, secretary of the Forum, said the group has now withdrawn its support of the Plymouth and South West Co-op's alternative 'Refined' plan.
In a letter from the Forum to the council, the group felt Red Tree's plans were now "the preferred option" thanks to it addressing residents' concerns.
At today's council meeting the Plympton St Mary councillor Patrick Nicholson, seconded by Tory leader and Plymstock Dunstone councillor Vivian Pengelly, will propose the council support the Sherford Refined proposals.
The motion has been moved following concerns over public transport links to the city via the A379.
However, Mrs Whillock said: "The Forum considers the revised route for the road from Sherford into Plymstock is far superior to a route which comes out onto the A379 in the area of Christmas Tree field and Roger's garage."
Cllr Pengelly said she was "aware" the Plymstock Community Forum now supported the Red Tree proposals, but claimed the group "doesn't support the residents."
She said: "The Elburton Residents Association - who have a membership of 1,000 - and other residents we have leafleted in Dunstone, firmly back the Sherford Refined proposals for the simple reason it's the most sensible one.
"It puts the development between Sherford and Brixton and neither are overlooking it, while the Red Tree plan puts it on the brow of the hill and can be seen by both.
"The Refined plan also has a far more sensible transport system - it does not go through King George V playing field."
The motion will be put before the council at 2.30pm today.
| |
|
|
Result 49 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford & Poundbury (Read 272 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford & Poundbury
« Result #49 on Jan 15, 2007, 8:50am » | |
You might find it interesting to take a look at the website of the Poundbury development in Dorchester, Dorset. The new Sherford will be of a similar design, and will be using many of the same ideas.
Poundbury Community Website - www.Poundbury.info
Poundbury Video Tours and News - www.Poundbury.TV
| |
|
|
Result 50 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Final Sherford Plans (Read 122 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Final Sherford Plans
« Result #50 on Dec 28, 2006, 6:02pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
'POSITIVE' VIEWS AS HUNDREDS SEE TOWN PLANS
11:50 - 09 December 2006
Residents flocked to a public exhibition in Plymstock showcasing plans for the new town of Sherford.Hundreds of people visited Elburton Village Hall yesterday for the five-hour display.
They examined outline plans and spoke to officers from developers Red Tree in the informal exhibition.
The application, submitted last week, includes up to 5,500 new homes, a community park, three primary schools and one secondary school, a health centre, up to 67,000 square metres of business and commercial space, and up to 16,740 square metres of shops. The plans even specify two 'community' wind turbines.
The planned new town is the result of a three-year public consultation led by the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment.
Gill Whillock, of Plymstock Forum, also sits on the Sherford Community Steering Group.
She was one of the first at the exhibition.
Mrs Whillock said: "There were people knocking on the door even before the display started. I would say that there were a good 50 people in there at any one time and it is quite a small hall.
"A lot of people were coming and going through the afternoon. It was good to see so many people there. It is much better than people being apathetic and only complaining when it is too late to do anything."
She said that the general reaction of visitors to the plans appeared to be "positive".
Mrs Whillock said that there had already been two or three public meetings about developing Sherford over the last few years.
She added: "I think everyone is a lot more positive now that the plans for the access road have been altered.
"Plymstock Forum is delighted that the road has been re-routed."
A major change to earlier plans sees a proposed link road to the A379 through the King George V playing fields in Elburton re-routed to the north. The move follows an outcry from residents.
Mrs Whillock said that it was vital that the town was properly connected to Plymouth by high quality public transport.
The planning application will be considered by South Hams District and Plymouth City Councils. The proposals will also be assessed by independent planning inspectors who will examine both the Sherford and North Plymstock area action plans.
| |
|
|
Result 51 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Final Sherford Plans (Read 122 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Final Sherford Plans
« Result #51 on Dec 28, 2006, 5:54pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
SHERFORD FINAL PLAN IS PUT FORWARD
11:50 - 28 November 2006
Final plans for the new town of Sherford - including thousands of new homes, schools, a health centre, wind turbines and large business park - have been submitted to city planning chiefs.Created by developers Red Tree, the planned new town is the result of a three-year public consultation led by the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment.
In a major change to earlier plans, a proposed link road to the A379 through the King George V playing fields in Elburton would be rerouted to the north. It follows an outcry from residents.
Red Tree have also agreed to protect the narrow streets of Plympton St Maurice from extra traffic including, if necessary, putting bollards across Buller's Hill.
The application, which can be found online at www.redtreellp.com, will include up to 5,500 new homes, a community park, three primary schools and one secondary school, a health centre, up to 67,000 square metres of business and commercial space, and up to 16,740 square metres of shops.
The plans even specify two 'community' wind turbines.
James Koe, a partner at Red Tree, said: "An immense amount of work has gone into bringing the Sherford plans to this stage with the town plan evolving over the last few years. The resulting proposals offer the prospect of a well-designed, healthy, environmentally-responsible and sustainable community."
Gill Whillock, of Plymstock Forum, one of the leaders of the campaign to save the playing fields, said: "The King George V playing fields are under covenant as an open space for the enjoyment of local people and I welcome these changes which will protect them into the future.
"It is a vindication of the position we have always held and goes to show what a community working together can achieve."
South West Devon MP Gary Streeter said that he would prefer that the Sherford town was not necessary to meet future housing needs.
But he added: "I have to commend Red Tree and the Prince's Foundation for what they have done in allowing local people to take the lead in helping shape this new community."
The planning application will be considered by South Hams District and Plymouth City Councils. The proposals will also be assessed by independent inspectors who will examine the Sherford and North Plymstock area action plans.
| |
|
|
Result 52 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: New Sherford School Planned (Read 137 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | New Sherford School Planned
« Result #52 on Nov 3, 2006, 11:06am » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....me=filtersearch
RESIDENTS DISCUSS NEW SHERFORD SCHOOL
Be the first reader to comment on this story
11:50 - 02 November 2006
Residents have met to discuss proposals for a new £16million secondary school to teach 825 pupils in the proposed new town at Sherford.Education chiefs held a public meeting last night to unveil plans for the first phase of the school, which would open in 2010 and cater for 100 pupils across all age groups.
Numbers would grow quickly as Sherford expanded to 5,500 homes by 2019.
Devon County Council held a meeting at Yealmpton Community Centre last night to give people the first chance to consider the proposals.
The county may establish a regular maintained school, but interested parties will also be invited to 'bid' to establish a particular type of school such as a foundation school, a voluntary-aided or -controlled school or an academy.
Ivybridge Community College has already revealed that it is considering federating with the new school.
A public examination of the Sherford proposals is expected to be held in the New Year.
Further details of the consultation can be obtained online at www.devon.gov.uk/ index/learning/education_ consultations_notices.htm
| |
|
|
Result 53 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | |
|
Result 54 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford Refined?
« Result #54 on Sept 29, 2006, 7:29pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
CO-OP'S SHERFORD PLAN SUPPORTED
11:50 - 29 September 2006
Alternative plans to build 4,000 homes at Sherford have been warmly welcomed by Plympton residents, who say a district council's preferred scheme will bring huge traffic problems.
A new proposal for the South Hams area, drawn up by the Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society, went on display in Plympton on Wednesday night.
The scheme, dubbed 'Sherford Refined', is an alternative idea to South Hams District Council's plan for the area, which is to be recommended to a planning inspector in January.
Now community leaders in Plympton have backed the Co-op's proposal, claiming that the district council's option will lead to traffic congestion and the loss of playing fields.
Alan Street, a member of Plympton Community Council, said: "The Co-op have come up with an alternative which, we feel, answers most of our concerns about Sherford. It moves the development back into the South Hams and away from Plympton, and it gives an environmental demarcation between Brixton, Elburton and Plympton."
The district council's proposal, put together with local groups over the last three years, was recently 'moved' northwards to be nearer the A38.
The move effectively cuts the Co-op out of the multi-million-pound development, which is expected to grow to include 5,500 homes within 20 years.
The Co-op owns 64 acres of land in the area, which is included in the society's proposal but not in the district council's.
But the society insists that its version of the Sherford project is not all about keeping its land in the plan.
Rodger Ruse, secretary of local football club AFC Plympton, said that the district council's scheme would result in the loss of King George V playing fields and Elburton Villa's Haye Road football ground.
He said: "There are not enough facilities for youth today and to take some of them away would be wrong.
"I like the Co-op's proposal because of its character; the development would not predominantly be on higher ground.
"The transport route proposed is much better because there will be immediate access to the A379, which there wouldn't be with the original plan."
Parish councillors in Brixton raised concerns about the Co-op's scheme, fearing that the development would be too close to their town.
Members of the green pressure group South Hams Against Rural Destruction have also opposed the proposal.
But Martin Hughes, a consultant for the Co-op's design, said that most of the 100 people who attended the exhibition in Plympton went home impressed.
He said: "Leaflets have now gone out to Plympton, Plymstock and Brixton and we've already had a very big response.
"With the current plan, you've got a big win for Brixton but a loss for Plympton and Plymstock.
"However, with our proposal, all three of those communities are in a winning situation."
Members of the public have until 4pm on October 10 to comment on the Co-op's proposal.
| |
|
|
Result 55 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford Refined?
« Result #55 on Sept 29, 2006, 7:28pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
PROPOSAL SHARES SHERFORD 'MISERY'
11:50 - 27 September 2006
Initially, commendably, Brixton took the lead in objecting to the unwanted, and probably not needed, Sherford development.
All parties were encouraged to combine and present a common front. Latterly, when it became clear that the development was to take place irrespective of local opinion, Brixton has adopted a more unilateral approach.
The latest media publicity generated by Brixton is to apparently reject out of hand the latest proposal without consultation with other parties affected by the development.
The new proposal called 'Sherford Refined' may have faults, but at least it appears to 'share the misery' and is equidistant from all interested parties.
It is essential, therefore that this proposal is fairly considered by all parties without prejudging the issue.
The purpose of this letter is to make sure as many people as possible are aware of the latest proposal and negate in a small way the free media publicity currently enjoyed by Brixton.
TONY JACKSON
Plymouth
| |
|
|
Result 56 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Refined? (Read 593 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford Refined?
« Result #56 on Sept 29, 2006, 7:26pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
NEW SHERFORD PLAN UNVEILED
11:50 - 20 September 2006
An 11th-hour bid to kill off a controversial South Hams District Council scheme to build more than 4,000 homes on Plymouth's doorstep is unveiled today.
Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society have produced their own version of the Sherford project.
The district council version, put together with local groups affected by the proposal over the past three years, was recently 'moved' northwards to be nearer the A38. The move effectively cuts the Co-op out of the multi-million pound development, which is being built to cope with Plymouth's overspill.
The society's new plans for Sherford includes their 64 acres of land, whereas the district council's does not. But the Co-op insisted today that their version of the Sherford project - dubbed 'Sherford Refined' - was not all about keeping their land in the plan.
Martin Hughes, a consultant for the society's Sherford design, said: "It's a bit unfair to focus on the Co-op, because there are other landowners putting their points of view as well."
South Hams District Council is supporting a Sherford which locates it close up against the A38 opposite Plympton. The new community then extends southwards to meet up with Elburton.
According to the council's version, the main public transport routes between the new community and Plymouth would see a new road across the King George V Playing Fields at Plymstock to access the A379 via Haye Road.
The society's vision proposes a community located more to the south, with clear gaps between the new community and Elburton/Plymstock, Plympton and Brixton. According to the society, the same access from the A38 via an improved Deep Lane junction is maintained and an access onto the A379 is proposed at the southern end of the Sherford valley at Chittleburn.
And Douglas Fletcher, the society's chief executive, said: "Given the scale of the new development - eventually some 5,500 new homes over the next 20 years - it's vitally important that this major change to the area is planned and implemented with great sensitivity.
"In our view, Sherford Refined is a much better option as it avoids coalescence between Sherford and the existing communities of Plympton, Plymstock and Brixton. It provides a much more effective route for public transport through dual access from the A38 at Deep Lane and the A379 at Chittleburn, away from existing residential areas."
He added: "Sherford Refined avoids using visually prominent and exposed land near to Plympton and Elburton, yet at the same time cannot be seen from Brixton as it will be below an important ridge line. It also avoids the need to construct a new road across the King George V Playing Fields or use roads northwards through Plympton."
The society is holding two public exhibitions outlining Sherford Refined on Monday at the Plymstock Community Centre, Memory Lane, Plymstock and next Wednesday at Harewood House, Ridgeway, Plympton. Both exhibitions will be open between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.
The Co-op's plan extended a public consultation period over the Sherford proposal which was due to end last month. Instead, public comment on the new Co-op plan will be permitted up to 4pm on October 10.
South Hams District Council, which is coordinating the public response, made it clear they were sticking to their guns.
Paul Tyler, Major Developments Officer, said: "South Hams District Council still firmly believes that the site put forward in the Submission Stage AAP is the most suitable and sustainable of any option."
| |
|
|
Result 57 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 211 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #57 on Sept 29, 2006, 7:24pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
NEW TOWN'S £21M HEALTH CENTRE
11:50 - 12 September 2006
The planned £21 million health centre in the new town of Sherford will provide services to people in the South Hams and East Plymouth such as Plympton and Plymstock, as well as the new town.
The idea behind the centre, which is expected to open in 2010, is to provide services closer to the patient's home. The 45-bed centre will have its own theatre, where 2,500 minor operations will be carried out each year. It will be able to perform 35,000 X-rays every year and will have the ability to conduct 28,000 outpatient consultations in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, opthalmology and diabetes.
A Minor Injuries Unit which can see 28,000 patients a year will be also part of the scheme, and the centre will also house an MRI and CT scanner, as well as ultrasound facilities. Plans also include a 'GP Centre', a dental surgery and a pharmacy, as well as an area for integrated health and social care teams, and facilities for education and training.
The scheme is being developed as part of the overall Vanguard Project for the local health community, which also involves building a new £210 Planned Care Centre and a major refurbishment of Derriford.
It is hoped building work on the site will start in the second half of 2008, with the centre fully operational by 2010. The GP and dental surgery element of the centre will open sooner in a temporary base to serve the first 4,000 local people moving to the town while the rest of the centre is being built.
Deputy project director for Vanguard, Lesley Darke, said the centre will not just be for people in the new town, but also for people in the rest of the South Hams and parts of Plymouth, who are currently having to travel long distances to Derriford.
She said: "Sixty per cent of the population that will go to the Local Care Centre will come from Plymouth. It's not just about the South Hams. As far as access to local services are concerned, it's going to make a huge difference. The driver behind this is providing services close to the patients' homes."
Sue Scrivener, strategic planning manager at South Hams and West Devon PCT, said: "This proposed project will support, not only the new population of around 12,000 in Sherford new town, but also the wider Ivybridge/Yealm locality of South Hams and West Devon PCT, and subject to being approved by Plymouth PCT, also the populations of Plympton and Plymstock. The project is supported by both local and national strategies to provide services as close to people's homes as possible."
Initial designs indicate the centre will be over two floors, with a 'house-like' style, and it may even have shops attached to it.
Plymouth PCT is expected to approve the scheme on Thursday.
John Harrison, director of commissioning and service governance for Plymouth PCT, said: "With the advent of greater choice for patients, the public will expect to use the new facilities if they are closer than current facilities provided at Derriford and the new Local Care Centre at Mount Gould.
"The development at Sherford is completely in line with national and local policy to expand choice and develop community facilities to provide care closer to home."
| |
|
|
Result 58 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford a Town? (Read 166 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford a Town?
« Result #58 on Aug 29, 2006, 7:49pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
DON'T CALL SHERFORD A NEW TOWN...
11:50 - 15 August 2006
Imagine a settlement with four schools, a health centre, a place of worship, a main hall, shops, offices, a youth centre, a theatre, sports facilities and a supermarket.
Sound like a town to you? Not to city council planners, who insist that the planned development at Sherford will be a 'sustainable community' instead.
South Hams District Council's area action plan for Sherford contains ideas for a 'town centre' with a 'town hall', delivered with the help of a 'town plan'.
But in its official response to the document, Plymouth City Council has urged South Hams to omit the word 'town' from its Sherford dossier.
One recommendation reads: "The phrase 'town plan' is objected to, as Sherford should not be seen as a town but as a sustainable community, well linked to other sustainable communities in Plymouth."
Another states: "The city council objects to the description of the centre of the new community as a town centre. This is not a development of a new town."
Some 4,000 homes are due to be built in Sherford by 2016, rising to 5,500 in later years. A secondary school, to include a theatre or cinema, and three primary schools are also planned, along with a health centre, sports facilities and a police station.
South Hams planners believe permission could be granted for a new scheme by June next year.
Councillor Jean Nelder, Labour Cabinet member for strategic planning policy, said: "It's an urban extension. That's what I would call it. It's very much bound in with the expansion of Plymouth; it's not a stand-alone development."
Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Tory planning spokesman, said: "Most of us have always been aware that Sherford should be an identified town, although located near the city's borders, but it seems Plymouth wants it as an urban extension without any identity. There are distinct communities across the city and to prevent the people of Sherford from having their own distinctive identity is just nonsense."
| |
|
|
Result 59 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Stop Sherford New Town (Read 79 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Stop Sherford New Town
« Result #59 on Aug 7, 2006, 11:45am » | |
Hello Dah,
Welcome to the forum and thanks for the link 
Can you tell us a little bit about why you are against the building of Sherford?
| |
|
|
Result 60 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Stop Sherford New Town (Read 79 times) |
dah
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1
Karma: 0 | | Stop Sherford New Town
« Result #60 on Aug 7, 2006, 7:18am » | |
Have you seen www.inplym.com - all about the proposed new town at Sherford and the 5500 new homes with an appauling road system - Protest groups need help now - vistit http:ww.inplym.com and STOP this disaster before it happens 
| |
|
|
Result 61 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Steering Committee Trio Quit (Read 98 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Steering Committee Trio Quit
« Result #61 on Jul 15, 2006, 6:04pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
TRIO QUIT OVER NEW TOWN PLAN
11:50 - 13 July 2006
Community leaders in Plympton have quit a steering committee guiding the progress of a controversial new town on the outskirts of Plymouth.
Dr Keith Chapman from the Plympton Community Council, Alan Street from Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre and Freddie Mills from the Plympton St Maurice Civic Society stepped down from the Sherford Community Steering Group amid concerns that local opposition to the proposed new town was being ignored.
In a letter to South Hams District Council, the trio said: "As the Plympton community representatives, we have sought throughout our involvement with the Sherford Community Steering Group to maintain a stance of opposition to the location of the new development, while at the same time trying, by participating in the consultation process, to protect Plympton's interests and to minimise any harm to our communities if Sherford does indeed go ahead as planned.
"We are now at a stage in the process where we consider our position in trying to meet both these aims to be untenable."
The three men said they were dismayed that objections to the Sherford scheme from Plympton "are not afforded the significance and weight they deserve".
They added: "We now feel that we must put all our energies into ensuring that Plympton is not overlooked any further in the planning process.
"We also feel that these efforts would be constrained by our continued membership of the Sherford Community Steering Group."
Residents in the Plympton area say the 4,000-home Sherford proposal - which could grow to 5,500 - will cause massive traffic problems.
They are also objecting to the removal of a 'green buffer' which would have protected the Plympton and Plymstock area from westward expansion of Sherford.
Patrick Nicholson, the senior representative of Plympton on Plymouth City Council and chairman of the Plympton Area Committee, said: "I'm very pleased and totally supportive of Keith, Alan and Freddie's decision to resign and to fight Plympton's case openly and publicly with the backing of our residents.
"Throughout this debate the views of the people of Plympton have been ignored, and from now on we intend this to stop."
The Sherford Community Steering Group is backed by South Hams District Council, which originated the new town project.
Work on the site's first homes is expected to begin by 2008.
The project is being driven by Government insistence that more homes should be built in Devon.
Paul Tyler, SHDC's major developments and projects officer, said: "The Sherford Community Steering Group was set up to ensure close community involvement with the local authorities and Red Tree, the developer of Sherford.
"Gary Streeter MP has chaired these meetings, which have allowed an exceptional level of dialogue to take place on all issues of concern and to review the progress of the plans for the new community. A number of positive outcomes have been achieved as a result.
"Due to the strategic requirement for the development of Sherford, the district council has no choice but to deliver the new community. The key thing is to deliver a high-quality, sustainable development, which takes into account all the issues raised by the local communities and which addresses them in the best possible way.
"We deeply regret that the three Plympton representatives on the Sherford Community Steering Group have resigned, in order to pursue a course of opposition to the new community.
"We seriously believe that the interests of Plympton residents could be best served by their continued engagement.
"The district council would be happy to meet them to discuss their approach and their concerns, in the hope that they can be fully involved alongside the representatives of Elburton, Plymstock and Brixton who continue to be fully engaged in the Sherford Community Steering Group."
| |
|
|
Result 62 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Twinned With Poundbury (Read 100 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Twinned With Poundbury
« Result #62 on Jul 6, 2006, 10:35pm » | |
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14051-2171031,00.html
Twinned with Poundbury
Devon planners are hoping that a new community that takes its cue from Prince Charles’s model village development will get the green light, says Hugh Pearman of The Sunday Times
Any new project with Prince Charles’s name attached to it is bound to stir comment. And this one is a biggie: an entirely new town to be built over the green fields of the Sherford Valley outside Plymouth in Devon. In the next 20-25 years, some 4,500 homes will be built, along with schools, shops, a hospital and a fast bus link to the city. So is this Poundbury Mark II — a scaled-up version of the Prince of Wales’s famous throwback new model suburb of Poundbury, Dorchester? Well, not quite. Poundbury was built on Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall land and is his personal hobby, embodying his die-hard traditionalist views on architecture. The Sherford New Community, to give it its working title, will be very different. Charles does not own or control the land there. Nor has he been directly involved. Heavens above, even modern architecture will be allowed — so long as it is not too brutish. So what’s the connection? It’s this. Architects and academics from the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, an educational charity, have been advising on New Sherford. As evolved between the foundation, the local authorities and Redtree, the developer, it will be more like a British equivalent of Seaside, the “new urbanist” development on Florida’s northwest coast that has been mightily influential among planners.
Seaside has enjoyed rocketing house prices and was used as Jim Carrey’s home town in the hit film The Truman Show. It is seen as a lodestone by the new urbanists, who think places should be for people rather than cars and megastores.
New Sherford needed direction. This new community was fiercely resisted by locals, who hated the fact that it would be built across farmland rather than on “brownfield” land. Their protests were in vain: the scheme was adopted in 2004. Then, it was seen as a collection of linked villages. When the scheme’s backers started to think hard about the place, they called in the foundation for advice. And as its director, American urbanist Hank Dittmar, says, the original idea was all wrong.
“They were called villages, but I would call them housing estates. Our task was: how to make it into a sustainable town and define the boundaries of its growth?” By rearranging the proposed sprawling estates into one town with a centre and a high street with shops — laid out along roads designed to slow down traffic — the area of countryside lost to development will be much reduced, he says. It is a tighter development than the original proposal, but even so there will be room for all kinds of house types, from social-rent flats to detached family houses. This is nothing to do with architectural style: such high-density, anti-suburban solutions are almost universally favoured by planning experts — though all too often ignored by housebuilders and local authorities.
The Prince’s Foundation is getting pretty busy these days, being called in to help master-plan developments all over the country. Northampton, Aldershot, Harlow and Lincoln have all called on its services. Dittmar calls these “exemplar developments”, and although Charles is much more hands-off than he used to be, he still gets to see progress reports on all the projects, says Dittmar. New Sherford will be no exception. And yes, modernists will be welcome. “
People forget that the design codes for Seaside were intended to allow modern as well as traditional buildings. We’re not so concerned with style. We want to frame the public realm.”
“Design codes” are a hot topic among today’s urbanists. They are ground rules for what may or may not be built — how big, what materials, and so on. The idea is to allow variation while preventing monstrosities. The theory is that style becomes irrelevant, since designing a house in such a context is no different from adding a new building to an existing town.
Whatever, New Sherford is destined to be both new and old-fashioned: sustainable, providing 5,000 jobs, generating a lot of its own power, and being walkable. The planning application will be made this autumn.
Crucially, it aims to steer clear of the usual-suspect housebuilders. Redtree, a new face on the scene, was set up specifically for this venture. But the people involved aren’t novices: the Royal Bank of Scotland is handling the finances, and the rest are a mix of business interests with planning and development expertise.
James Koe, the project’s director at Redtree, aims to develop the town directly, rather than farm out parcels of land to the familiar spec-builder names. Housebuilders only know how to build houses, he says — not communities. As he bluntly puts it: “Anyone with a track record in the past 50 years is pretty much admitting to failure.”
So, if it’s going to be so great, won’t house prices there shoot up out of reach? “The marketplace will always respond to quality,” says Dittmar. “In the long run, our response is that there should be more communities that people like, where housebuilders are competing on quality.”
And do you know? I don’t think anyone but the most cynical volume housebuilder would disagree with him.
| |
|
|
Result 63 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Consultation (Read 103 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford Consultation
« Result #63 on Jul 6, 2006, 10:29pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
LESSON FOR THE FUTURE
11:50 - 03 July 2006
Mistakes made during the development of Ivybridge will not be repeated at a showcase new settlement on the outskirts of Plymouth, a planning chief has promised.
Planning officials at South Hams District Council began the process which will lead to the first home at Sherford - which will take up to 5,500 new houses - being built within the next two years.
But senior planning officer Paul Tyler said mistakes made during the development in Ivybridge had been studied to ensure they would not be repeated at Sherford.
Various groups and organisations in Ivybridge - including local councillors - have complained for decades over the lack of community facilities in the town.
Ivybridge was allowed to experience a 20-year housebuilding boom from the 1970s, resulting in it being dubbed "the fastest-growing town in western Europe".
Its population soared from a few thousand to more than 12,000.
But badly-needed community facilities such as a youth centre, a decently-sized town hall and a library to cope with the demands of a growing settlement were left off the drawing board.
Mr Tyler said that one of the problems with Ivybridge was that its residents were dependent on their cars, because all the town's facilities were in its centre.
In the Sherford development, which will be completed by 2016, eighty per cent of the dwellings will be within five minutes' walk of main community facitilies.
Mr Tyler said: "With Sherford, there will be an early provision of schools, shops, community halls and open spaces.
"With Ivybridge, its town centre and employment were zoned in such a way that people have to use their cars to get anywhere.
"We want people to think that Sherford's a great place to live, because they don't have to get into their cars."
Town councillors recently tried to negotiate for a minor injuries unit to be sited there, but it was pointed out that the planned Sherford community would include a new health centre, which incorporates a minor injuries unit.
Ivybridge mayor Marc Chapman said he accepted that the new settlement would get more facilities than his home town.
He said: "What we haven't got, Sherford will get, as I've already said.
"But we can't change the past, and in any case, the town hasn't got the land to build any new facilities.
"What we must do is focus on what we've got and enhance it."
The admission over Ivybridge was made as South Hams District Council launched its Sherford Area Action Plan for public consultation, which will last six weeks.
The project, involving South Hams District Council, Plymouth City Council, the developer Red Tree, the Prince's Foundation, Devon County Council and many other public-sector bodies, has been refined over several years.
The district council's head of community regeneration, Lee Bray, said: "The launch of this final consultation will take us another step closer to realising this important project.
"The council is determined that Sherford will be a flagship development: highly sustainable, well- designed, balanced and inclusive, and, most importantly, delivering a large number of affordable homes.
"Once the six-week period of consultation is complete, the Government's independent inspector will be appointed, and, at the beginning of next year, the inspector will begin to test the soundness of the plans with a comprehensive and thorough examination of the submitted document, including any public representations made during this consultation period."
South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council have been working together for more than six years to bring forward the plan for Sherford, consulting a wide range of local community representatives and stakeholders through workshops and discussion.
The new community will be well linked to Plymouth by fast and frequent public transport.
The development will include new homes, workspaces, shops, schools, health and leisure facilities, and a large community park. It could also include up to five small-scale wind turbines. It is hoped the development will cut the number of households presently on the district council's waiting list for affordable housing - currently 2,000.
A website dedicated to Sherford has been prepared where all the information, consultation, news and views relating to the development can be found; go to www.southhams.gov.uk/sherford
| |
|
|
Result 64 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherfords Future (Read 105 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherfords Future
« Result #64 on Jul 6, 2006, 10:21pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
SHERFORD'S FUTURE IS MAPPED OUT
11:50 - 29 June 2006
Council chiefs today unveiled the final, environmentally-friendly, version of a new community on Plymouth's doorstep.
Four years ago, the prospect of green farming land at Sherford, in the heart of the western South Hams, being dug over for a new town provoked more than 3,000 protests.
Now, after prolonged consultation with community groups, the latest plans for the 'three-village' town just south of the A38 are going on public show tomorrow, with a media launch today.
The plan is South Hams District Council's final version of the Sherford project.
The only way it will be changed is by an inspector at a public inquiry - and large-scale corrections are extremely unlikely.
The difference between the scheme tentatively released into the community four years ago and the one made public today is vast.
Top-ranking officials from South Hams District Council proposed a four-village settlement, which was described by green protesters as a 'sea of concrete' from the A38 in the north to the A379 near Brixton in the south.
After the original plan sparked a protest campaign, spearheaded by environment pressure group South Hams Against Rural Destruction, district council chiefs recruited the Prince's Foundation, the group behind Prince Charles' model settlement at Poundbury, Dorset.
Members of the pressure group, along with other community organisations, were invited to planning sessions to help redesign the Sherford proposal.
The result is a plan, which discourages the excessive use of cars, will include a "high-quality" public transport system based on a park-and-ride system on the A38 at Deep Lane and where 80 per cent of Sherford's homes will be within a five-minute walk of the three centres.
Wind turbines, hidden in sheltered areas, will provide sustainable energy to the new town.
And a large protected green swathe will be left to the east of Sherford to prevent the settlement expanding back into the South Hams.
Instead, Sherford will be encouraged to grow westward, towards Plymouth.
Sherford was originally dreamed up as an answer to a Government demand that thousands more homes should be built in Devon.
It is seen as a development to cope with the "overspill" of residents from Plymouth who are looking for new homes.
The district council put up a fight against having to plan thousands of new homes, but eventually accepted that they would have to be built.
District council planning chief Lee Bray said: "We've come a long way in the past four years.
"We didn't want to build a large number of homes in the South Hams, but since we had to do it, we mind up our minds to do the best job we could.
"The result, we think, is an exemplar of how this sort of thing should be done. We would hope that it becomes a blueprint for other local authorities - we hope that they come to see what has been done.
"It is exciting and we think it's going to be a flagship development. We wanted to do something we were proud up and I think we have achieved that."
The Sherford scheme had caused upset in the Plympton area, where residents are worried that they will have to bear the brunt of the extra traffic generated by the proposal.
South Hams Against Rural Destruction spokesman Paddy Ryder said the pressure group felt that they had achieved a lot by joining in the design of 'Sherford Mark Two'.
He said: "We're not crowing about it, because we know that people in Plympton are unhappy.
"But we worked hard on it and I think we did a lot in persuading the district council to take Sherford away from the villages of Brixton and Chittleburn and put it closer to the A38.
"That helped to distance it from Brixton, and Elburton, who were upset at the amount of traffic which was going to go up the A379.
"We felt that if it was going to go ahead - and there seemed to be no choice about that - then we would have to make the best of a bad situation."
The Devon Structure Plan requires that Sherford provides for at least 4,000 homes with associated employment land and a range of community and other associated facilities by 2016, and that it be capable of accommodating further development beyond that time.
Sherford could be allowed to have another 1,500 houses by 2026.
It is thought building on 'Sherford phase one' will start by 2008, with around 300 homes being built in the first year.
After that, the number will rise to 500 per year by 2011, according to council experts.
Officials are aiming for 50 per cent of the homes at Sherford to be affordable housing.
Council chiefs say the area is facing a deepening crisis over the rising price of the average family home. Local people are being forced out of the market - and some may never get a foot on the housing ladder - after average house prices topped £250,000 mark.
Average wages in the South Hams, which is said to have pockets of poverty, are around £15,000 per year. The scheme also includes a health and social care centre, incorporating a minor injuries unit, three primary schools capable of taking more than 400 pupils each and a secondary school with capacity for more than 800 pupils.
Employment units are also planned for the project, say council chiefs.
| |
|
|
Result 65 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Wind Turbines To Power Sherford (Read 102 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Wind Turbines To Power Sherford
« Result #65 on Jun 26, 2006, 3:35pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
TURBINES PLAN FOR SHERFORD
Be the first reader to comment on this story
11:50 - 14 June 2006
Wind turbines may form part of a major new settlement planned on the outskirts of Plymouth.
The turbines will provide electricity for the 4,000-home Sherford 'new town', which is due to be completed by 2016.
South Hams district councillors, who are fronting the Sherford project, will consider the final plans for the new town at their meeting tomorrow.
The plans will be put out for public consultation, with work scheduled to start on the project by the end of next year.
The council's head of community regeneration, Lee Bray, said the turbines would be sited in a 'community park' - a green wedge preventing eastwards expansion of Sherford into the South Hams.
Mr Bray said there were 'still a lot of things to tie up' and it was not yet clear how many turbines would be constructed.
However, he said energy provided by them would be used to supply Sherford with power.
Mr Bray said the turbines would not be dissimilar to those built in other parts of the country, such as Cornwall.
He said: "They would not be on such a large scale and would not be put on a ridge; the technology these days is such that they don't need to be sited on the skyline.
"Instead, they would be sited in a valley."
Mr Bray added: "We've always been looking to make Sherford self-sustaining and this is yet another way of doing it.
"The temptation was to tap into the new Langage power station, but we wanted to make Sherford self-contained."
The project was driven by the Government's insistence that thousands of new homes should be built in Devon.
District council chiefs have consulted local organisations such as environmental groups to produce the most acceptable design.
The original announcement that the project would be constructed on greenfield sites on the outskirts of Plymouth sparked thousands of objections.
Features of the Sherford project include an aim of encouraging people to use public transport instead of private cars in an attempt to reduce pollution.
The council is consulting experts in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions from specially-designed homes.
| |
|
|
Result 66 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Prince of Wales and Sherford (Read 85 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Prince of Wales and Sherford
« Result #66 on May 3, 2006, 11:07pm » | |
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/252979e0-da41-11da-b7de-0000779e2340.html
Prince sets out vision for central Lincoln
By Jim Pickard, Property Correspondent
Published: May 3 2006 03:00 | Last updated: May 3 2006 03:00
The Prince of Wales is to stamp his architectural ideas on the ancient city of Lincoln today when his charity presents its first city centre masterplan.
Lincoln's council has hired the Prince's Foundation to draw up an over-arching plan to erase some of the modern mistakes that have damaged the city's landscape.
This will include the removal of at least one of the city's elevated roadways, its ugly bus station and two tired shopping centres.
Prince Charles has attracted praise and scorn in equal measure for his criticism of some modern architecture. In Dorset, he has set up Poundbury, a village of 1,000 people living in an array of period - some would say pastiche - buildings.
The involvement of the Prince's Foundation in the rebuilding of Lincoln would be less about architecture and more about "new urbanism", said Hank Dittmar, the Californian head of the charity. He said the foundation had drawn up a strategy to introduce 20 projects over 30 years to "reconnect fragmented areas of the city", make it a more "walkable" place and improve its public spaces.
The history of Lincoln as a coherent conurbation started to go awry more than a century ago when the Victorians drove a railway line through the city, splitting it in two, he said. Town planners in the 1960s compounded these problems.
"The regeneration of Lincoln city centre is a story of reconnection," he said.
Prince Charles will today visit the city, where the masterplan will be on public display at City Hall for the next two months.
Mr Dittmar, 50, was an adviser to Bill Clinton, the former US president, and chairman of Congress for the New Urbanism in the US.
A town planner by profession, he said he shared the prince's view that architects had been wrong to have rejected tradition.
Prince Charles hopes to expand Poundbury to a community of 5,000 people over the next 15 years or so, with a new town centre and other facilities.
Elsewhere on the Duchy of Cornwall estate, the prince is talking to developers about plans for a scheme on the edge of Newquay, the popular seaside town in north Cornwall.
Meanwhile the Prince's Foundation is advising more than a dozen projects across the country, including an ambitious plan for a larger Poundbury-style development near Plymouth, Devon, with more than 4,000 homes.
The project, in the Sherford Valley, is being carried out by developer Braypool with advice from the charity and it will go for planning permission later this year.
Mr Dittmar said Lincoln would be used as a template for the foundation's educational wing, which offerslessons to councillors and others on best practice in urban design.
The foundation was keen to carry out a larger city centre template, perhaps for a large regional metropolis. "We're not quite ready for London yet," he said.
Last year a team of regeneration experts from the Prince's Foundation went to Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to help with plans to rebuild New Orleans and other population centres that were struck by the disaster.
| |
|
|
Result 67 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 211 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | |
|
Result 68 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Housing Crisis (Read 98 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Housing Crisis
« Result #68 on May 3, 2006, 11:01pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
GRANT TO BEAT HOUSING CRISIS
12:00 - 03 May 2006
The South Hams is to get nearly £5million from the Government to help ease the district's chronic affordable housing shortage, it emerged today.
Housing Corporation chiefs, who receive the cash via Whitehall, have agreed to a £4.8million grant towards a scheme to build 118 homes in the area.
The homes, which will cost more than £13million, are on top of plans for a 4,000-home new town on the outskirts of Plymouth.
South Hams District Council officials confirmed that 31of the new homes would be built in Ivybridge, with another 54 at Totnes and two at Kingsbridge.
The remainder will be at Aveton Gifford (14) and Chillington (17).
The cash is as a result of a successful campaign for more money by Devon's local councils, housing associations and the Housing Corporation.
The Government has agreed to an increase of nearly 65 per cent in grant for new affordable housing for rent and sale in Devon.
This compares with an average increase in funding across the South West of just 48 per cent.
Members of the partnership, the Devon Strategic Housing Group said just under 2,000 new properties for rent and for sale were planned across the county between now and 2008.
Simon Sherbersky, chairman of Devon Strategic Housing Group said: "We are pleased that the problems of affordability in Devon are being recognised.
"However, there is still a lot to do and it is vital that this level of investment is sustained if we are to make real progress in meeting the increasing need for affordable housing in Devon."
Council chiefs said in spite of the increase in funding, they were struggling to keep pace with the demand for affordable housing as property prices continued to rise.
In areas such as South Hams, some properties cost 12 times the incomes of the lowest earners on around £15,000 per year.
The average salary needed for an average house in Devon was £55,610.
South Hams District Council said the crisis was against a background of rising housing waiting lists, with the Ivybridge area said to be one of the worst-affected.
Council chiefs say high house prices are forcing people to leave the area, with employers unable to attract key workers to the district because they can't afford to live there.
The new town at Sherford, due to come on-line in 2011, will contain a large number of affordable homes.
But experts have admitted that the project will not solve the district's affordable homes problem.
| |
|
|
Result 69 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Youth (Read 99 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford Youth
« Result #69 on Apr 24, 2006, 1:25pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
SHAPING A FUTURE FOR YOUTH
Be the first reader to comment on this story
12:00 - 22 April 2006
Young people from Plymouth and the South Hams are helping shape plans for the development of the proposed new town at Sherford. More than 20 took part in a youth workshop organised by Devon County Council's Youth Service with developers Red Tree, South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council's Youth Service.
It was part of the extensive and continuing consultation which has taken place with all sections of the community on the Sherford proposals.
The teenagers had the opportunity to examine the latest plans for the new town and carry out site visits.
They were asked for their views on the proposed development and for their input into how a range of facilities should be provided and tailored to meet the needs of young people and families.
These included plans for a community park and facilities for young people, including ideas for a youth centre.
Youngsters attending the event came from a variety of areas, including Plymouth, Ivybridge and the South Hams.
One of the teenagers, Stacey Lawrence, aged 15, from Plympton, said she had become involved in the event through her work with the youth forum at the Rees Youth and Community Centre.
She said: "Everybody here realises the importance of the Sherford proposals and the opportunities that it is going to create.
"It's something that's not just going to affect us, but also our children, and that's why we have taken this opportunity to become involved."
Ivybridge Community College A-level student Ashton Berry, aged 18, from Modbury, said: "Where I live there's nothing for teenagers to do. Part of the problem is that when Modbury was designed it wasn't something which was even considered.
"It's important to get involved with the proposals for Sherford at this stage, because we hope that by doing so we can have an impact on the new town.
"Sherford has the potential to offer lots of opportunities not just for the people living there but also for others around it to share in the facilities."
The Sherford scheme will provide 4,000 new homes in three "villages".
It was designed in response to Government demands for more housing in Devon.
| |
|
|
Result 70 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford SuperBus (Read 101 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford SuperBus
« Result #70 on Apr 24, 2006, 1:22pm » | |
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayN....e=sidebarsearch
EURO SUPERBUS TO BEAT TRAFFIC
Be the first reader to comment on this story
12:00 - 13 April 2006
Plymouth City Council wants to install a £60 million European-style 'superbus' system from the A38's Deep Lane Junction to the city centre under radical plans to cut congestion. Transport and planning bosses also want to put an extra lane on to Laira Bridge to ease congestion in the east of the city.
And officials want to redirect traffic around Prince Rock to cut down on pollution in Cattedown.
The radical new plans are the result of 18 months of work on the Eastern Corridor study which is being made available to the public today.
City residents are being asked to respond to the ideas over the next six weeks so the council can go to the Government and apply for funding.
For months residents of Plymstock, Plympton and Cattedown have been calling for the plans to be put into the public domain.
Many people have complained about congestion on Laira Bridge, a lack of quality public transport in the east of the city and 'sooty' air in Cattedown.
The 'superbus' system, which features extra-long 'flexible' buses as used in European cities - will run from a park-and- ride site at Deep Lane.
The buses will go through a new 1,500-home town at Sherford before continuing through Plymstock and into the city centre - using old railway line routes next to Billacombe Road. They will have designated stops along the way.
A third westbound lane on Laira Bridge is intended to ease congestion, and diverting vehicles from the A379 around a circular route in Prince Rock would, says the council, cut down on emissions in Cattedown.
The plans will cost millions of pounds to implement but there is Government funding which could be made available - particularly as the council would be in partnership with Devon and South Hams councils.
Jonathan Bell, the council's head of strategy for planning and regeneration, said these were only ideas at the moment - but they were the council's 'preferred options'.
He said: "These projects enable us to plan the growth of Plymouth in a way that's going to deliver a high- quality transport system in the city."
The plans were unveiled to councillors yesterday. Cllr Sue Dann, cabinet member for transport, said: "These plans are the first stage in starting discussions with residents and road users to look at how we can provide a road network from the east fit for everyone's needs."
But Cllr Kevin Wigens, shadow transport spokesman, said the plans were 'too little, too late'.
He said placing the 'superbus' system on former railway lines was 'wasting an opportunity' where a monorail-style system could have been built instead.
| |
|
|
Result 71 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Old Sherford Map (Read 265 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Old Sherford Map
« Result #71 on Mar 27, 2006, 9:40am » | |
You can find some very interesting old maps of Sherford on www.old-maps.co.uk
| |
|
|
Result 72 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Telegraph (Sherford) (Read 54 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Telegraph (Sherford)
« Result #72 on Mar 26, 2006, 9:47am » | |
Healthy, wealthy and wise Inc
(Filed: 25/03/2006)
British Lohas zones
'Sustainability' used to be just for hippies. In America, it's now big business, says Oliver Bennett
John Schaeffer hasn't paid a utility bill in five years. "And I haven't been to a gas station in five years," he says. The California-based businessman is a new kind of citizen, living in an eco-house, driving a bio-diesel car, and selling solar-power products.
"I started in 1978, catering to people who lived off the power grid - basically, hippies who lived in the woods," he says. Now, he says, business is more mainstream, involving not yurt-dwellers, but ordinary folk like you, me and, indeed, David Cameron, who has appointed architect Alex Michaelis to put all manner of eco-appurtenances on to his west London home.
Mr Schaeffer is part of an American movement-cum-trade group called Lohas (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability). "It is conscious consumption, by cultural creatives," says Tracy Mallozzi, a spokeswoman for Lohas. Spending on Lohas-type goods is worth $229 billion (£130 billion) in the US every year, she adds, and about 30 per cent of US adults - some 63 million people - are Lohas consumers.
Lohas followers are interested in health, environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable living. They eat organic and Japanese food, do yoga and Pilates, sleep in unbleached cotton duvets, wear hemp clothing and drive Toyota Prius "hybrid" cars. "It's chic," says Ms Mallozzi. "It's not about looking like a sack in Birkenstocks."
And they buy houses. Ms Mallozzi cites the Californian company Living Homes, which makes what she calls the "first 100-per-cent sustainable homes". One developer is building a Lohas condo in Japan, an event significant enough to be reported by Wallpaper* magazine, which reported that in some areas of Tokyo "you can hardly move for shops selling linen tea towels, rustic cooking implements and raw ceramics".
Mr Schaeffer says that, in parts of the US, a home with a high Lohas score gains a sales advantage. "In northern California, Lohas-type homes are selling for 50 per cent extra," he says. "Appraisals [valuations] are definitely up for homes that have solar panels and other ecological fittings." Plus, he adds, they attract tax credits and incentives.
Topics at the last annual Lohas conference included "Making Sustainability Sexy". Rickie Lee Jones played guitar while speakers included film star Daryl Hannah and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. "There's a lot of entertainment people involved," says Ms Mallozzi. "And there's a growing international dimension to Lohas."
So is it growing here? Yes, although the British market doesn't yet enjoy the Lohas sobriquet. Charles Couzens, of South West Eco-Homes (SWEH), points to the rise in Britain of the "light greens" as opposed to the more purist "deep greens".
"The light greens are our target market, which chimes well with the Lohas idea," says Mr Couzens. "They have the same busy lives and expectations as most people, but they want to live in a healthy way, with less impact on the environment." Mr Couzens started SWEH five years ago: "Our first building was in Langport, Somerset, to prove that there was a market for sustainable development."
Julian Brooks, of Green Moves estate agency - a specialist buyer and seller for British Lohas types - says he has been joined by several developers working in a similar spirit: Gusto Homes in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire; Sunley Homes in Kent; BioRegional/Quintain in Brighton and Middlesbrough; Seldown in Poole; Berkeley Homes' EcoHomes at Shoreham on Sea; and the Living Village Trust in Shopshire. The market focuses not only on new-builds but also on green-minded refurbishers.
"The developments still tend to be relatively small - from 12 to 30 houses - but they are driven by business," says Mr Brooks. The buyers, he adds, are professionals in their thirties and forties.
Mr Couzens says he does not lose any custom catering to the Lohas crowd. "Not at all. It's classic niche marketing. I think some developers make the mistake of thinking everyone wants a standard box."
It is akin to organic food, he argues - a choice people will make if offered. René Elliott, of the London organic supermarket Planet Organic, says that about 75 per cent of households buy something organic each week. "It's growing and, whereas it was once driven by ideas such as personal health, people now cite the need to support British farmers and to avoid food miles," she says.
Increasingly, too, they are buying ethical mortgages. Last year, the Co-operative Bank's Ethical Consumerism Report found that £3.4 billion was attributed to consumers concerned about climate change, and that the "micro-generation" market - favouring devices such as solar panels - soared by 314 per cent.
"It's reached a mass," says Julia Hailes, author of the Green Consumer Guide. "There's now a large group interested in farmers' markets, green building, organics and yoga. That Lohas-type market has really increased." Ms Hailes adds that retail giants are following them: "Marks & Spencer, for instance, wants to be the prime supermarket for this kind of consumer."
"Light green" homes tend to favour a certain style: timber frames, lots of south-facing windows, open-plan interiors, low carbon temperature and light control, such as shutters. "There's a certain look to sustainable housing," says Mr Brooks. "They like shared gardens, too. It's community they're after: a revival of the 'village green' idea."
Mr Brooks has been involved with sustainable housing for six years and has seen lots of growth: "The market now brings people to us," he says. "I'd say that this year we'll see about 1,000 properties developed to high ecological standards. Next year, it'll be 2000. That's the way it's going."
But there is a slight paradox in that low-carbon, Lohas types are often counter-urban refugees who, ideally, would like off-grid autonomy rainwater baths but find that the cost is prohibitive. "In terms of sustainability, the country is a nightmare," says Mr Brooks. "Services cost more to put in, and not driving is a pain."
In fact, high-density urbanism is seen by many as the greenest way of life. "I'm involved in the development of Sherford, an extension of Plymouth, where 5,000 new homes are to be built," says Mr Brooks. "It has all the best aspects of urban living."
So lose that (organic) hair-shirt and get shopping. As the Lohas slogan goes, you too can "change the world, one purchase at a time".
British Lohas zones
The highs …
The South-East is probably the top. "After all, it is the most dense population zone," says Julian Brooks. Availability of organic juices, tai-chi and biodegradable yoga mats: high. Brighton and hinterland shows particular Lohas concentration. The South-West is, perhaps, Lohas's British heartland. "The hippie towns - Totnes, Glastonbury, Stroud - have led the way," says Mr Brooks. Bristol runs on ethical juice. Somerset has become a major zone.
The M4 corridor has helped spread Lohas ideas northwards. Shropshire, Gloucestershire and the Welsh borders are all places where a sizeable chunk of the population has heard of wheatgrass. Even Milton Keynes, says Mr Brooks, is surprisingly eco-friendly.
… and the lows
Mostly in the North. "There's a bit of a desert in the North-West, says Mr Brooks. Nor does the North-East seem particularly strong, although BioRegional Quintain aims to develop Middlehaven, a waterside scheme in Middlesbrough, based on the distinctly Lohas premise of "enhanced health, happiness and reduced household expenditure". It would be wrong to write off Yorkshire entirely: the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, is a hotbed of Lohas-type activity.
Contacts
The 10th Lohas conference is on April 26-28 at The Fairmont Hotel, Santa Monica, Ca. For further information, see www.lohas.com. Green Moves 01308 455715; www.greenmoves.com. South West Eco- Homes 01458 259400; www.swecohomes.co.uk.
| |
|
|
Result 73 of 98:
Result 74 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 345 times) |
tony67
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #74 on Mar 2, 2006, 12:39pm » | |
Does anyone know if they have actually started work on the New Sherford yet?
I live near old Sherford and don't really get the chance to have a trip over to Plymouth to have a look.
| |
|
|
Result 75 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Devon Videos (Read 378 times) |
tony67
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Karma: 0 | | Devon Videos
« Result #75 on Mar 2, 2006, 12:36pm » | |
A friend told me about this website the other week and I think it may be of interest
www.youtube.com
You can search for things like DEVON or PLYMOUTH.
Some of the videos are a bit strange, but some are very good.
| |
|
|
Result 76 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: How to post a picture on the forum (Read 280 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | How to post a picture on the forum
« Result #76 on Feb 26, 2006, 8:39pm » | |
To post a picture you would need to have that picture hosted on a website like www.photobucket.com, give it try! its free! and easy to do.
To place your picture in a message on this forum just click on the "Insert Image" button in the "Add Tags" section that will appear when you reply to this, and place your image URL between the [img]'s
| |
|
|
Result 77 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plymouth Tourism Website (Read 338 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Plymouth Tourism Website
« Result #77 on Feb 22, 2006, 10:45pm » | |
Hello and welcome to the forum,
Yeah, I see what you mean  the cruise ship looks a bit strange
| |
|
|
Result 78 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Plymouth Tourism Website (Read 338 times) |
greengrass
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2
Karma: 0 | | Plymouth Tourism Website
« Result #78 on Feb 21, 2006, 4:39pm » | |
Have you seen the Plymouth Tourism website? When I first saw it I wondered if it was the website for Plymouth in America. Take a look, its actually pretty good.
www.visitplymouth.co.uk
| |
|
|
Result 79 of 98:
Result 80 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford Family History (Read 294 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Sherford Family History
« Result #80 on Feb 21, 2006, 2:15pm » | |
If you are searching for your family history in Sherford, or if your surname is Sherford, try Ancestry.co.uk
You can find a link at the top and bottom of this forum.
| |
|
|
Result 81 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 345 times) |
plym
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #81 on Feb 19, 2006, 11:53pm » | |
I have seen more and more in the local press about the Sherford development, and it actually looks like it might happen!
| |
|
|
Result 82 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: The Ancient Village of Sherford (Read 221 times) |
plym
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2
Karma: 0 | | Re: The Ancient Village of Sherford
« Result #82 on Feb 19, 2006, 11:49pm » | |
Hello, This is my first post on anything like this 
Thanks very much for the Genuki link Very useful
| |
|
|
Result 83 of 98:
Result 84 of 98:
Result 85 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 345 times) |
Sherford
Administrator
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Gender: Male
Posts: 79
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #85 on Feb 14, 2006, 3:13pm » | |
Hello Devonian,
Welcome to the Sherford.com Forum.
Sorry about your links not working, some website links are so long that they dont work, or they make them so you can't link to them.
| |
|
|
Result 86 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 345 times) |
devonian
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #86 on Feb 14, 2006, 3:09pm » | |
I have just found this link
www.southhams.gov.uk/final_ sherford_summary_report_160305.pdf
| |
|
|
Result 87 of 98:
Result 88 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Affordable Housing (Read 128 times) |
devonian
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Karma: 0 | | Affordable Housing
« Result #88 on Feb 14, 2006, 3:02pm » | |
A letter from the Western Morning News -
EXPLAIN MEANING OF 'AFFORDABLE' HOUSING
11:00 - 10 February 2006
Andrew Fiske was talking on TV about new towns recently, specifically Sherford, where 4,500 new homes are to be built , a substantial number of which are to be "affordable housing"
Will somebody please tell me what affordable housing is? The word merely means "having the financial means for ..." which is absurd, for even the most lavish home is affordable to someone, such as a millionaire. I have never seen in print at what figure affordable starts. One developer has suggested £20,000/£30,000 but this is hardly a figure applicable to people on a small fixed income, pensioners, single parents, young unemployed couples, those on benefit etc.
Yet surely these are the very people who are most in need of getting a foot on the property ladder and appear to be the most vulnerable and unnoticed in the community.
It is unfortunate that the alternative phrase to affordable is "low cost", as this conjures up an image of something so basic as to be shoddy, sub-standard and totally out of tune aesthetically with the more affluent residences in the area, so that no one wants them on their patch.
It is time that someone either in the building trade concerned, or better still the government, told us exactly what they mean by affordable housing so at least those struggling to start out in life, would know what they are up against and have a goal for which to aim.
? ? ? ?
| |
|
|
Result 89 of 98:
Result 90 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Sherford New Town (Read 345 times) |
devonian
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Karma: 0 | | Re: Sherford New Town
« Result #90 on Feb 14, 2006, 2:54pm » | |
Sorry, I could not get the link to work 
| |
|
|
Result 91 of 98:
Result 92 of 98:
| | Author | Topic: Devon News and Information Links (Read 148 times) |
devonian
New Member
member is offline
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Karma: 0 | | Re: Devon News and Information Links
« Result #92 on Feb 14, 2006, 2:47pm » | |
Very nice looking forum.
Well done to whoever has set this up
| |
|
|
Result 93 of 98:
Result 94 of 98:
|
![[Home]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/djsilk/buttons/sw-ho.gif)
![[Help]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/djsilk/buttons/sw-hp.gif)
![[Search]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/djsilk/buttons/sw-sh.gif)
![[Login]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/djsilk/buttons/sw-li.gif)
![[Register]](http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f369/djsilk/buttons/sw-rgflash.gif)
![[Search This Thread]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/search2.gif)
![[Send Topic To Friend]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/sendtopic.gif)
![[Print]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/print.gif)
Logged![[image]](http://www.jd3d.co.uk/arc_viz/Sherford.jpg)