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BRAF Conference
30 March 2007


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Green Sheet issues

Delegates were provided with feedback “Green Sheets” so that they could record particular points which occurred to them throughout the morning.

  • Interesting to learn where Government policies are going, but still very concerned that pockets of rural deprivation will be overlooked by ‘mainstreaming’ policies, and in particular that indigenous populations will be seriously disadvantaged.
     
  • How do we ensure the concept [of sustainable village] is integrated into parish plans and how promote concept (via BRAF?) to parishes etc, and how move it forward via the Community Strategy?
     
  • I found it surprising that real estate is the largest business sector in rural areas, and 2nd largest is public service. It would appear to me that rural England is in a transitional state of flux which Mr Mills indicated was in need of interpretation and planning, ideally from those directly affected by involvement in policymaking making machinery such as RDA’s etc.
     
  • Requirement for local authorities to have a Rural Policy Plan. Growing policies from central Government crept up on us by stealth – to change social thinking and behaviour. 21st Century Village is current ‘buzz’ concept. Think aloud think hard on how small communities can change and adapt to modern changes and needs. To unlock government funds needs strength and dynamism at local levels.
     
  • Rural systems/ structures little different to urban. Rural pollution dumps more than urban? Cows?
     
  • Changes in rural communities in next decade – affordable housing crisis, ageing population, migration out of younger people. Little Greenham village is fanciful in parts, but thought-provoking in others.
     
  • I see “Gentrification” of rural population as greatest engine of rural change.
     
  • Little Greenham should have been called Toy Town
     
  • Need more emphasis on driving, which will remain very important for rural communities e.g. buy an environmentally friendly vehicle asap (more than 50mpg average, fewer than 130 emissions, 60 mph the most economical) Keep close to allowable maximum speed limits, but do not exceed. Light accelerator, gentle braking, regular servicing, tyre pressures etc. Walk, Cycle, public transport where can, then car if have to! This would make a significant contribution to reducing emissions.
     
  • Tips to follow example of Ashton Hayes – public relations – Defra 2 min video very influential. Non political, non confrontational. Persuasion to think about actions. Time to stand up – very stimulating presentation. I am going away intent upon getting village hall insulated. Impressed that project has generated great community spirit and will be going to website, and going to parish council to try and interest them. The most stimulating presentation.
     
  • Ashton Hayes very inspirational, will be taking information back and reporting to Ampthill Town Council and Ampthill Town Plan Action Committee, plus disseminating information via CVS Mid & North Beds Newsletter and website.
     
  • Carbon footprint did not seem to be proper audit. Did not take into account factories/design/manufacture of energy saving devices (which all took place on someone else’s patch) It can only be good to make everyone aware of energy-saving technology but absence of practicalities. 40% food production from allotments – I think not! However, it showed that planning ahead is essential if our wasteful society is to be held in check. That alone improved, the concepts were therefore correct.
     
  • Discussion in my workshop C showed some disillusion with current planning going away from plans and parish councillor wishes, especially with loss of intended affordable housing for local people, accelerating ‘gentrification’. Planning authorities riding roughshod over the wishes of the population and some felt the law needed to be changed to make the ‘empowerment of the people’ mean something. Various examples of people’s frustrations and sometimes accomplishments were given.
     
  • People must get more involved – ‘empower the people’ if for no other reason than to counterbalance the public sector. Aim to make sure that the man on the street has a voice. As some said, officialdom seems to make decisions often without taking any notice of even the elected councillors.

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