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Press Releases
WEST MIDLANDS EIP REJECTS ‘MIDDLE QUINTON’ ECO-TOWN PROPOSAL
29 September 2009
“the location of this proposed Eco-town would render it of very doubtful sustainability.” “we make no recommendation to endorse the proposal”
The BARD Campaign is delighted, but unsurprised, by the conclusions of the expert independent inspectors, following the Examination in Public of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, which firmly reject Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon on the Warwickshire / Worcestershire / Gloucestershire border, as an appropriate site for an eco-town.
The Inspectors endorse the main thrust of the arguments BARD has been making to Government ever since the St Modwen/Bird Group consortium's eco-town proposal was first mooted: that the case had not been made for an eco-town in preference to urban extensions; and that an eco-town on this site would be wholly unsustainable.
David Bliss, Chairman of the BARD Campaign said:
"This is what BARD has spent almost 2 years campaigning for - official recognition of the validity of our objections to ‘Middle Quinton'. It's a victory for common sense. It also demonstrates that intelligent... Read More...
THE BARD CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO THE ECO-TOWN SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT
16 July 2009
The BARD Campaign cautiously welcomes elements of today's eco-town announcement as possible good news for the future of Long Marston.
‘Middle Quinton' has not been included in today's announcement as a decision will not be made until the Autumn following the West Midlands RSS report, however the Housing Minister's statement today provided some hope for the residents of Warwickshire/Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.
John Healey announced that the first wave locations are "all led or strongly supported by their local authorities" and "are not isolated developments in the middle of the countryside".
The BARD Campaign strongly supports this principle which would clearly lead to the rejection of ‘Middle Quinton'.
David Bliss, Chairman of BARD said:
"We are optimistic that the Housing Minister's comments today suggest that ‘Middle Quinton' will not be taken forward to the next stage of the eco-towns programme once the decision is... Read More...
BARD Campaign statement
18 June 2009
BARD Chairman David Bliss comments following the decision not to allow an appeal of the Judicial Review BARD brought to query the consultation on eco-towns.
"We're disappointed that the actual principle of eco-towns cannot be contested but BARD continues its challenge to the sustainability and financial viability of a large new town at an isolated rural site such as Long Marston.
"Middle Quinton's fate now rests in the hands of the regional planning inspectors who report to government in the Autumn.
"We were heartened earlier this week to hear so many independent voices submitting their detailed reservations about 'Middle
Quinton' to the panel.
"It seems only the developers and government want this eco-town to go ahead - unsurprisingly since they both stand to gain financial windfalls if it does, whilst remaining blissfully immune to the cost to local people and their much-cherished countryside."
Read More...
BARD testing ‘Middle Quinton’ in London and West Midlands
16 June 2009
The BARD Campaign today took part in the ‘Examination in Public’ (“EiP”) of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (“RSS”) Phase Two Revision.
The Panel reviewing the West Midlands RSS is examining the cases for an eco town such as ‘Middle Quinton’ in its revised development strategy for the region. The EiP is being held at Molyneux Stadium, Wolverhampton.The BARD Campaign presented evidence that the proposed eco-town cannot, and should not, be incorporated into the RSS for the following reasons:
1. Middle Quinton would not be sustainable owing to its remote rural location. The town would be poorly linked to towns and cities and would experience high levels of car-dependency.
2. The proposal does not fit with the RSS because building a new town in this rural location directly opposes the region's policy of reducing the flow away from Major Urban Areas. Furthermore, the proposed location is outside all areas identified for regional investment so if forced through, would divert investment funds from genuine areas of need.
3. The proposal is not... Read More...
SHADOW ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY VISITS ‘MIDDLE QUINTON’ ECO-TOWN SITE
2 June 2009
Nick Herbert MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, visited the site of the proposed ‘Middle Quinton’ eco-town on Friday (29 May) and met with representatives of the BARD Campaign opposing the development.
Mr Herbert expressed his grave concerns regarding the controversial eco-towns programme and confirmed that the Conservative party would not go ahead with the Government's eco-towns scheme. Middle Quinton is opposed by all six local authorities in the area.
Speaking at the site, Mr Herbert said:
"The Conservative Party believes in trusting people. Decisions of this kind should be taken by local communities through their elected councillors, not imposed by central diktat from an arrogant Government that thinks it knows best. There's nothing ‘eco' about building thousands of houses on greenfield land, irrevocably changing a tranquil rural area."
ENDS
For photos of the visit, please see our Events Gallery
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GOVERNMENT 11TH HOUR EC0-TOWN ABOUTTURN
28 April 2009
DCLG EFFECTIVELY LEAVES MIDDLE QUINTON SHORTLISTING DECISION IN HANDS OF WEST MIDLANDS RSS EiP PANEL
On 17th April 2009, a week before the West Midland Authority's draft Regional Spatial Strategy began its Examination in Public, DCLG official Henry Cleary wrote to all local authorities affected by a proposed Middle Quinton ("MQ") eco-town. His letter* announced that the Government will not now take a decision on whether to include MQ within the eco-towns PPS until the Secretary of State has considered the EiP Panel's report (due in the Autumn).
This is a sharp and extremely late reversal of the tack the Government was previously taking - ie one of consultation on a national basis as to which of the shortlisted eco-towns locations should appear on the final list in the PPS. The timing of this move is surprising to say the least, given the West Midlands RSS review's timetable has been known for many months. Regrettably now (at a late stage of the RSS process) the RSS EIP... Read More...
BARD Campaign’s Rally Attracts New Eco-town Opponents
6 April 2009
The BARD Campaign marked the 1st anniversary of the Government’s ill-advised inclusion of Long Marston on the eco-town shortlist by holding a family rally along the Greenway yesterday.
MP for Stratford, John Maples, who has been vocal in his opposition to the proposed 6,000-home new town on the edge of his constituency, joined campaigners on Sunday.
Attendees marked the day with an Easter Egg Hunt and Family Quiz as they walked or cycled down the Greenway. The existence of this much loved leisure-route is threatened by developers' plans for a guided bus/tram link to connect the new town with Stratford-upon-Avon.
Postcards to the Government, objecting to the proposals, were signed at both the rally and a roadshow in Stratford town centre - over 400 more cards were completed. Local people also made generous contributions to the BARD Fighting Fund which will be put to good use in the continuing opposition to the new town.
Sir Donald Sinden CBE joined fellow Royal Shakespeare Company Honorary Artist Dame Judi Dench in supporting the BARD Campaign's rally against 'Middle Quinton' and sent this message to Campaigners:
... Read More...
Sir Donald Sinden backs BARD rally
2 April 2009
Sir Donald Sinden joins fellow Royal Shakespeare Company stalwart Dame Judi Dench in supporting the BARD Campaign's rally against 'Middle Quinton'.
Sir Donald Sinden, star of stage and screen and passionate supporter of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, sent the following message to opponents of the eco-town at Long Marston:
"I am delighted that so many of Stratford's neighbours are continuing the struggle against the proposed new eco-town on its doorstep.
"The thought of yet more cars piling into this town is horrendous so thank you for taking steps to protect the historic town of 'The Man of the Millennium'. I support your efforts and wish you well on your walk on Sunday."
Read More...
DAME JUDI SAYS: TAKE PRIDE IN SHOWING YOU CARE. WALK THE WALK ON SUNDAY – ALL WELCOME!
30 March 2009
The BARD Campaign is marking the 1st anniversary of the Government’s ill-advised inclusion of Long Marston on the eco-town shortlist by holding a family rally along the Greenway on Sunday 5 April.
Whilst regretting she shall be otherwise engaged on the day, Dame Judi Dench, a long-standing supporter of the BARD Campaign, sends her best wishes to campaigners for the walk:
"I am so sorry not to be walking with you on Sunday but I have a matinee performance that afternoon in London.
"I am sure the day will be full of fun and activity, but never forget that there is an underlying serious message that I hope is heard more widely - local people care about their environment and know what development is needed and where. Turning beautiful and historic Stratford into a commuter rat-run would be an unforgivable legacy.
"Thank you for your commitment to this cause. You have my total support and I hope you all take pride in every step you take. Save our beloved Stratford!"
Meeting at the Stratford end of the Greenway at 11am (off Seven Meadows Road), campaigners will stroll or cycle down the Greenway... Read More...
BARD LAUNCHES ECO-TOWN JUDICIAL REVIEW APPEAL
18 March 2009
The BARD Campaign today lodged an application with the Court of Appeal, seeking permission to appeal the ruling by Mr Justice Walker dated 27 January 2009 that the Government’s consultation on its April 2008 shortlist document: “Eco-towns Living a Greener Future” was lawful.
In summary, BARD's application contends that:
1. the principle of eco-towns was not properly and lawfully consulted upon in the Housing Green Paper. There was no genuine consultation on the eco-town policy since the policy had already been determined;
2. the Government pledged there would be a consultation on the eco-towns principle and broke this promise;
3. the key criteria for eco-towns were not properly and lawfully consulted on;
4. the errors in the early consultation stages cannot be rectified by any improvement to future consultation that would be based on a pre-determined principle.
5. the failure to consult on the 42 sites rejected from the April 2008 shortlist was unlawful;
6. the Government has not provided adequate information to enable intelligent consultation on the proposed locations;
7. the eco-towns policies are subject to the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and the Environmental... Read More...
BARD URGES COMMUNITY ACTION ON ECO-TOWN
24 February 2009
This Friday (27th February 2009) the BARD Campaign launches its latest rallying cry for responses to the Government's second consultation period on the proposed ‘Middle Quinton' eco-town.
The Campaign is distributing thousands of easy-to-complete postcards* to local residents to encourage a sizeable response to the DCLG. This is local residents' last opportunity to tell Central Government how inappropriate development on this scale truly is before the Government finalises its locations shortlist.
In addition to door-to-door leafleting, campaigners will be handing out postcards this Friday between 10am - 3pm from a stall outside the Post Office on Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Local MP John Maples, who last week gave a call-to-arms urging his constituents to make their views heard, will be attending from 1pm.
Postcards will also be put through doors in the villages surrounding the site and will be available from local shops or by request to Hilary Bliss, BARD Campaign co-ordinator:
The postcards succinctly address the key objections to the ‘Middle Quinton' eco-town:
- It would be a commuter... Read More...
The Sheate Report
Leading expert slams eco-town policy assessment as "exceptionally poor", "disingenous", "inconsistent" and "nonsense".
One of the UK’s leading independent experts in Environmental Assessment, from Imperial College, London, has completed a damning analysis of the Government’s November 2008 Sustainability Appraisal (SA), draft Eco-town Planning Policy Statement (PPS), the Eco-town Programme and the Scoping Report, with particular regard to “Middle Quinton”.
William Sheate, expert advisor to the EC and various Governments, including the UK, concludes that the CLG’s Sustainability Appraisals of its flagship housing project are “exceptionally poor” and appear to fail to comply with the European SEA Directive. He suggests that there may be scope for a formal complaint to the European Commission.
Furthermore he says: “I am quite astonished at the disingenuous nature of the justifications and explanations for the approaches adopted. And I am genuinely surprised that the consultants concerned would have produced such reports... Read More...
High Court Rejects Bard's Judicial Review Challenge
In an oral judgment delivered this afternoon at the High Court, Mr Justice Walker ruled that the consultation on its shortlist document: “Eco-towns Living a Greener Future” was lawful.
David Bliss, Chairman of the BARD Campaign, commented:
“We are disappointed but this is by no means the end of the road for BARD’s challenges to the Middle Quinton proposal. Labelling objectors NIMBIES is a lazy Government response to well-thought out opposition to the current eco-town programme. No less than 47 national, regional and local representative bodies agree that poorly sited new towns will neither meet their promised eco-agenda nor provide affordable housing in places where people want to live.
“Our principle remains compelling: local people deserve to be properly consulted on Government policies that directly impact them. Contrary to Government assertions, we care deeply both about the environment and our communities. Experience from Europe suggests that the way to success is developing eco-quarters as part of urban extensions rather than building new towns in isolated rural spots and...
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Judicial review of Eco-town policy reaches court
The BARD Campaign’s Judicial Review of the Government’s consultation on eco-town policy and programme is to be heard in the Royal Courts of Justice before Mr Justice Walker at 10.30am.
Tomorrow, (Thursday 22nd January 2009), the BARD Campaign’s Judicial Review of the Government’s consultation on eco-town policy and programme is to be heard in the Royal Courts of Justice before Mr Justice Walker at 10.30am. It is scheduled to last 2 days.
The BARD Campaign seeks a judicial ruling that the Government’s eco-towns policy and programme as set out in the ‘Living a Greener Future’ document in April 2008, is unlawful and should be quashed.
The government’s publication of its Sustainability Appraisal of the subsequent draft eco-towns Planning Policy Statement has done little to improve its credibility over the policy. The work was recently branded “exceptionally poor” by a leading expert, William Sheate, Reader of Environmental Assessment at Imperial College London.
David Bliss, Chair of BARD Campaign said:
“Our legal challenge is quite simple. The Government...
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BARD offers Shelter affordable housing solutions
This press release follows a meeting between the Bard Campaign and Shelter to discuss affordable housing in Wychavon and Stratford districts
8 October 2008
Representatives from BARD, the Campaign established to resist unnecessary and unsustainable development at Long Marston, met last week with the national housing charity Shelter to discuss the real affordable housing requirements in Wychavon & Stratford Districts.
BARD discussed at some depth with Shelter the failings in the Government’s eco-town proposal which is purported to solve the affordable housing need in this area. The BARD representatives explained that Stratford and Evesham districts are spread across a wide geographical area1 and have a low population density.
Their housing requirements are best met geographically close to the sources of that need. Shelter was informed that such needs cannot be met at a proposed ‘Middle Quinton’, due to its remoteness, inaccessibility and distance from key employment hubs.
However, a... Read More...
Blurred vision for Middle Quinton
A press release refuting the St Modwen and Bird Group document about the sustainability of eco-towns
So, St Modwen and the Bird Group produce a 70 odd page document full of pretty pictures, big aspirations and brave talk of exemplar models for sustainable living. Top marks for enthusiastic prose. However, if reality is allowed to rain on their parade - this document deserves a good soaking.
We believe everyone with an interest in this proposed development should treat this ‘vision’ with the utmost caution, delivered as it is through rose-tinted glasses.
Even a cursory glance at its contents reveals wave upon wave of ‘pie in the sky’ promises, designed solely to tick government boxes yet far from deliverable in practice.
BARD represents people who are supposed to live in this urban utopia – and we see through the guff and remain utterly unconvinced. BARD shall be responding formally to this repeatedly misrepresentative document in due course, but for starters, here’s why:
Employment:
One...
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Bard successfully secures eco-town judicial review
This release outlines the ruling by Mr Justice Collins which backed the BARD Campaign's bid to judicially review the government's eco-town policy
For immediate release 11 SEPTEMBER 2008
BARD SUCCESSFULLY SECURES ECO-TOWN JUDICIAL REVIEW
Mr Justice Collins today ruled that the BARD Campaign has presented an arguable legal case in its bid to judicially review the Government’s eco-town policy. The case will now proceed to a full hearing forcing the Government to justify its new programme before the High Court.
Today’s decision follows the application for Judicial Review made in June 2008 by the BARD Campaign, the group against the proposed 'Middle Quinton' eco-town between Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham in Warwickshire/Worcestershire, on former MoD-owned land lying adjacent to the Cotswolds’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Government’s whole eco-town consultation process will now be put to the test. The BARD Campaign seeks a judicial declaration that the eco-towns policy is unlawful and should be halted... Read More...
A day in the life of a Middle Quinton resident...
In response to the eco-town challenge panel request that developers envisage a 'day in the life' of a Middle Quinton resident, BARD imagines what life will be like in the new town
For the developers’ suggestion, check their Vision document
A day in the life of Richard .. a MQ Resident
Richard, ever eco-conscious, was itching to buy a new house in Middle Quinton. Determined to demonstrate, a touch smugly, to his then neighbours in Birmingham, how much more enjoyable life could be, living an eco-existence in the heart of the countryside.
So without much upheaval and a totally clear conscience, the decision was made. The developers had promised the new town would “catalyse residents to make more sustainable lifestyle choices by enabling, engaging, and encouraging the community and providing strong examples”. What more could a man and his family want?
Yet his wife, Anne, was used to a typical Richard ‘bright idea’ – and privately gave it 8 months, at most.
Several months on…
...
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Julian Lloyd Webber backs BARD campaign
Celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber anounces his support for the BARD Campaign and its opposition to the proposed eco-town at Long Marston
On the day Housing Minister Caroline Flint MP visits Stratford & Wychavon Districts and the former Royal Engineers depot at Long Marston, the celebrated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber announces his support for the BARD Campaign.
He joins a growing number of high-profile individuals to single out Middle Quinton as a flawed concept, such as Dame Judi Dench, Jilly Cooper, John Nettles and Johnny Herbert.
Mr Lloyd Webber says: “To me the whole 'eco town' pretence is just a way to dodge legitimate planning restrictions.
“There is no decent public transport infrastructure to support this half-baked scheme which means that would-be residents will be heavily reliant on their cars. Where's the 'eco' in that?
“That is why I whole heartedly support the time, energy, effort and resources that BARD has dedicated to demonstrating to Government why an eco-town at Long Marston is unworkable.”
David Bliss, Chairman of the... Read More...
Jilly Cooper Backs BARD Campaign
Author Jilly Cooper expresses her support for the BARD Campaign
On the eve of its demonstration to Parliament to protest over the proposed eco-town at Long Marston (Middle Quinton) between Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham in Warwickshire / Worcestershire, the BARD Campaign is delighted to announce the support of prominent author and countryside-campaigner Jilly Cooper. Mrs Cooper joins Dame Judi Dench, John Nettles and Johnny Herbert in publicly declaring their disquiet at the development of a new town in this location.Mrs Cooper says of the government’s plans to force through 10 new towns, mainly in rural areas:
“This government’s arrogance sometimes astounds me. Why won’t they debate this issue intelligently with affected residents, instead of deriding all reasoned opposition? Shouting NIMBY is a simplistic response to an important issue.
“This Monday sees the end of the official consultation period – yet local soundings have been muted at best. What’s the point in having a... Read More...
John Nettles backs BARD campaign
28 April 2008, for immediate release
Actor John Nettles, who has lived in the Stratford area for 16 years, joins Dame Judi Dench in adding his support to the BARD campaign
The BARD campaign welcomes the addition of another prominent supporter of our efforts to stop the building of a new town just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. Like Dame Judi Dench, who voiced her encouragement of the BARD Campaign earlier this month, actor John Nettles also believes development at this site, on this scale, is utterly inappropriate.
John Nettles, who has lived in the area for 16 years, made his announcement during Stratford’s celebrations of Shakespeare’s birthday: “This very weekend, Stratford’s historical and cultural significance was recognised and celebrated, as Shakespeare’s birthday festivities drew dignitaries and tourists from all corners of the globe.
“So why on earth would some bright spark in London think Stratford’s doorstep would be a suitable place for an eco-town? It is clear to all who know and appreciate the area that both Stratford itself, and the surrounding rural communities, will be... Read More...
On Shakespeare's Birthday, A Plea to DCLG!
On the anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday, the BARD Campaign sent the following sonnet to the offices of the Department of Communities and Local Government
On Shakespeare's Birthday: A Plea to DCLG!
23 April 1564 - 23 April 1616
his quiet realm of peace, this rural isle,
This other Eden, demi-paradise
Which you and those you serve would now defile
Against all common sense and sage advice,
This isolated prick upon the map,
This precious plot whose narrow, may-hedged lanes
You seek to feed to carrion Birds of scrap
And so convert to cursed, ill-gotten gains,
This little world, unsuited to your need,
This vale the Bard made sacred with his pen
That you would sacrifice to bloated greed
With Flint-knapped words to trick the minds of men -
Heed now the bell, long silent in its tower:
It speaks of England’s wrath, late tho’ the hour.
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BARD Campaign instructs leading experts
15 April 2008
A BARD Campaign press release about the anonymous donor of GBP100,000 and the appointment of one of the UK's leading planning solicitors
The BARD Campaign is delighted to announce the latest progress in the campaign to prevent unnecessary development on land around Stratford.
We have instructed expert counsel – Ian Dove QC of No 5 Chambers Birmingham, together with Simon Ricketts of SJ Berwin, one of the UK’s leading planning solicitors. Their advice will greatly assist us in collecting the factual evidence to support out assertions that building a new town on the outskirts of Stratford is neither environmentally friendly nor warranted.
We particularly welcome the very generous donation received yesterday by an anonymous local land-owner of £100,000 to the BARD Fighting Fund. This sizeable sum will assist in ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our fight to demonstrate the fallacy of this eco-town project and the unsustainability of building on this scale on this site.
Further donations to the Fighting Fund are gratefully received. Please contact Maurice Howse,
RESIDENTS’ RESPONSE TO SHORTLISTING LONG MARSTON ECO-TOWN
3 April 2008
Press Release outlining the local residents' response to the shortlisting of Long Marston eco-town in Stratford-Upon-Avon
The BARD Campaign is dismayed that the Government has ignored its plea to reject the proposed eco-town at Long Marston. The inclusion of this ill-suited site on the consultation shortlist, announced by Housing Minister Caroline Flint MP today, makes a mockery of the Government’s principle of sustainable development.
As residents of Stratford and the surrounding villages already know, Long Marston site is not suitable for a successful eco-town: it is isolated, has poor transport links and it is in an area that has no need of housing or employment regeneration. Moreover, the new town will have huge negative impact on both the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon and nearby Vale of Evesham – a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The proposed town of over 6000 houses plus shops, a school and leisure facility, will be two-thirds the size of Stratford-upon-Avon and only 6 miles away from it. Such a massive satellite town threatens to overwhelm... Read More...
Latest Entries
- WEST MIDLANDS EIP REJECTS ‘MIDDLE QUINTON’ ECO-TOWN PROPOSAL
- THE BARD CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO THE ECO-TOWN SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENT
- BARD Campaign statement
- BARD testing ‘Middle Quinton’ in London and West Midlands
- SHADOW ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY VISITS ‘MIDDLE QUINTON’ ECO-TOWN SITE
- GOVERNMENT 11TH HOUR EC0-TOWN ABOUTTURN
- BARD Campaign’s Rally Attracts New Eco-town Opponents
- Sir Donald Sinden backs BARD rally
- DAME JUDI SAYS: TAKE PRIDE IN SHOWING YOU CARE. WALK THE WALK ON SUNDAY – ALL WELCOME!
- BARD LAUNCHES ECO-TOWN JUDICIAL REVIEW APPEAL
- BARD URGES COMMUNITY ACTION ON ECO-TOWN
- The Sheate Report
- High Court Rejects Bard's Judicial Review Challenge
- Judicial review of Eco-town policy reaches court
- BARD offers Shelter affordable housing solutions
- Blurred vision for Middle Quinton
- Bard successfully secures eco-town judicial review
- A day in the life of a Middle Quinton resident...
- Julian Lloyd Webber backs BARD campaign
- Jilly Cooper Backs BARD Campaign
- John Nettles backs BARD campaign
- On Shakespeare's Birthday, A Plea to DCLG!
- BARD Campaign instructs leading experts
- RESIDENTS’ RESPONSE TO SHORTLISTING LONG MARSTON ECO-TOWN