PRESS RELEASE APRIL 2020
Lockdown Lessons Must Be Learned, Says Local Energy Group.
Crucial New Development in Porthcawl must point the way to a green future, business as usual is not an option.
Bridgend Local Energy Group, in response to the proposed development of the former Glamorgan Holiday Hotel, The Square, Porthcawl, (for 54, one, two and three bedroom apartments) emphasise the vital importance of sustainable development.
“What we’re learning from the Covid 19 lockdown", says Director, Sustainable Wales Margaret Minhinnick, "is that we cannot return to ‘business as usual’ when the lockdown ends. And this goes for new housing developments."
“If we believe the current lockdown is difficult, it will be far less severe than the changes that will be forced upon us by climate change.” Margaret continued.
Building Surveyor, Daniel Williams, member Bridgend Local Energy Group added “Though we are receptive to an application on this site we believe that Xcape’s draft proposals do not adequately address the climate urgency “
“There is clear opportunity (as well as moral obligation) to implement higher environmental standards. We would thus wish to see a future submission that adopts stricter climate emergency measures.” Daniel said.
Find out more about the consultation here: xcape-porthcawl.consultationonline.co.uk/en
Text of the response:
Pre-Application Consultation Response by
Bridgend Local Energy Group
Supported by Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy
To Xcape Ltd re: Proposed Development of the former Glamorgan Holiday Hotel, The Square, Porthcawl.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the above proposed development in Porthcawl.
The Bridgend Local Energy Group (BLEG) was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, low carbon energy initiatives.
Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change.
BLEG believes that long-term/sustainable development has never been more vital, considering the current disruption caused by the global epidemic Corvid 19.
This health, economic and social crisis surely illustrates why we all must pay total attention to minimising our carbon-dependent lifestyles. Why? Because if we believe the current lockdown is difficult, it will be far less severe than the changes that will be forced upon us by climate emergency.
(April 2019 saw the Welsh Assembly Government announced its agreement that we have a Climate Emergency.)
We believe that Xcape’s draft proposals do not address this urgency. We would thus wish to see a future submission that adopts emergency measures.
BLEG asks of Xcape whether its submission will enable the public to adopt necessary lifestyle choices? All new developments, such as the Glamorgan Holiday Hotel site, must allow people a low-carbon lifestyle.
However, we are receptive to the proposals to redevelop and repurpose this disused site to provide additional accommodation in the area.
Following review of the draft planning documents and the Design and Access statement we would comment as follows:
We note the design strategies and measures outlined in Section 4.5 ‘Access and Sustainability’ of the Design and Access statement.
Although we acknowledge the intention to meet the minimum environmental standards and requirements set out in current legislation, we feel there is clear opportunity (as well as moral obligation) to implement further measures that will allow the proposals to exceed these standards.
We further feel that the environmental performance of the building should be demonstrated via an independent third-party certification scheme such as BREEAM. A BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ (best practice) should be considered as a benchmark.
We would ask that you consider the feasibility of implementing features and processes such as:
designing houses/flats which generate, store and release their own solar/renewable energy, producing enough to balance their overall demand making them energy-neutral
recharging points for electric vehicles
plans to enable development of car and bike sharing schemes
eco-designed in keeping with the character of a seaside town - ensuring the
design reflects our unique marine culture and situation
inclusion of community green spaces
green roof areas that consider reducing energy use and water run-off as well
as encouraging biodiversity
the use of low-embodied energy and recycled/reused building materials e.g.
plastic fascia boards, pipes and sub-surface drainage pipes can contain over 30% PCR - post consumer recycled content; some higher content Flooring- recovered carpet tiles, or vinyl, (e.g. Greenstream in Porth); recovered wood. Recycled plastic or shredded carpet insulation material or waste wood insulation and fibre board
SUDS compliance for drainage and biodiversity which can be used creatively as part of the community spaces. SUSDRAIN are useful advisors in this specialist area and DwrCymru/WelshWater have experience of delivery
The use of local services, trade and labour during both the design and construction process
Continual engagement with the local community and education
Yours faithfully
Margaret Minhinnick, Daniel Williams and Tara King on behalf of the Bridgend Local Energy Group.
Download this response document as a PDF here (opens in a new tab/window 90Kb)
The Bridgend Local Energy Group (BLEG) was established by the charity https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/ to explore options for developing local, low carbon energy initiatives.
Sustainable Wales - Cymru Gynaliadwy is a charity that has been based in Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough for over twenty years. It is progressive in outlook and aims to encourage behavioural change https://www.sustainablewales.org.uk/