Many millions of pounds are being lost in the planning stages of development as developers struggle with the ever increasing needs of new environmental legislation. The rate at which new policies reach the planning system has been colossal in recent years and there is more, much more, to come. In particular, there has been the substantial effect of environmental concepts such as sustainability on the planning system. Soon, the word biodiversity will leap out of national and local action plans into the planning jargon. Not only will planning authorities have stronger policies to resist poorly thought out planning applications, but they will be backed up by the ever increasing environmental legislation supporting the governmental agencies, such as those regulating the water and natural environment. At the end of the day, increased environmental policies, regulation and protection will do much to help our environment, but in the meantime, confusion reigns.
Why this book?
It is to shed light into this confused theatre of environmental planning that we have written this book. The broad objective has been to provide a simple source of help and advice to guide you through the complex minefield that is environmental planning. We have tried to cover a wide range of issues, but have particularly included guidance about how to incorporate biodiversity and related environment and landscape matters into development schemes.
A problem
Part of the problem has been that the developer has not known where to turn for early independent advice that does not cost hundreds of pounds a day. Many smaller developers who have not previously come up against these new environmental issues are now being confronted by this rapidly changing scenario. In this book, we have tried to provide you with a simple guide to many of the environmental issues you will increasingly face and provide some hints about how best you might respond to them.
Acknowledgements
There are a number of people who have helped greatly with the writing of this book. Firstly, we would like to thank Pauline Rowson of Rowmark Publishing Ltd for her enthusiasm for the project. Secondly, those who have read the text and made suggestions in particular areas. In this respect we particularly thank and express our gratitude to David Vickery, an experienced planning consultant, for his assistance with planning issues and Jeremy Young of Young and Butt, Chartered Surveyors, for his helpful comments on aspects of commercial development.
About the Authors
Ron and Mary Allen have considerable experience in resolving conflicts between developing land and the ever increasing environmental and planning issues that have to be taken into account when doing so. Over the past seventeen years, they have developed their consultancy practice into one that advises on these very issues. This practice, The Environmental Project Consulting Group, advises governmental and non-governmental organisations about the wise and effective use of land and helps private individuals and companies through the maze of environmental guidance and legislation. In this respect, they provide an independent service and can act as important intermediaries in the development scenario. Mary and Ron and The Environmental Project Consulting Group featured on the BBC2 programme 'Build a Better Business'.
About Ron Allen
Ron Allen is a professionally qualified Environmental Consultant and Environmental Scientist who has a lifetime of experience in a wide range of countryside planning and related issues. His practical, creative and meticulous approach allows him to apply the environmental, landscape, earth and ecological sciences to land development issues. This means that his clients avoid environmental conflict and are able to effectively manage environmental problems as and when they arise. Ron writes extensively, runs training courses and seminars to a wide range of audiences and provides expert witness at inquiries and hearings.
About Mary Allen
Mary Allen is a qualified business manager and a co-director of The Environmental Project Consulting Group. Mary also runs her own consultancy, Business Evolutions. In her spare time, she is widely involved in the business community and founded the East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is a Council Member of the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was instrumental in setting up their Environment Committee (now the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Environment Forum). She is also a business representative on the Economic Development Sub-committee of East Hampshire District Council. |
