Support plan for Eco-homes in Brentford - Dakers

3.18.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 2nd Jul 2005

BedZed development in Sutton provides carbon neutral homes that are also people friendly

Andrew Dakers, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth, has given his support to the latest round of consultation on 'The Brentford Plan', encouraging the local community to respond to the questionnaire and make their views known to Hounslow Borough Council. Dakers has particularly endorsed the suggestion that the continued redevelopment of Brentford provides an opportunity for pioneering environmentally-friendly architecture to be built in the area.

Since the general election Dakers has been on two research trips, first to the Findhorn Eco-village near Inverness, Scotland and then to the BedZed development in Sutton, South London. On his return Dakers commented:

A house at Findhorn where passive solar design (South facing windows) captures heat from the sun and minimises the need for heating technology

"I couldn't help but be inspired by what both the Findhorn Eco-village and BedZed development offer. Both show how designs that are more environmentally-friendly can also be more people-friendly. Whilst the initial build costs can be a bit more, these are falling fast and are recoverable in lower running costs for the homes.

"Constructing and running our homes is one of the greatest contributors to CO2 emissions and global warming. Hounslow Council should become a beckon for the UK by actively encouraging developers who will make environmentally-friendly design a priority in Brentford's renewal. This is the practical action we must now take if we are to protect our planet."

On The Brentford Plan questionnaire Dakers added:

"I am extremely impressed and encouraged by what I read in The Brentford Plan update and questionnaire. The Planning Department has clearly been listening to local residents. On the questionnaire I would strongly encourage anyone that believes in the need to urgently press ahead with truly sustainable building in Brentford, ticks options 2, 3 and 4 on question 24 'Encouraging sustainable living'."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. To access The Brentford Plan questionnaire visit:

http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/home/a-z_services/b/brentfordplan.htm

Deadline is 25th July 2005 for responses.

2. The Brentford Sustainability appraisal is at:

http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/sustainability_appraisal_assess_of_options_-_brentford.doc

3. Photos from Andrew's recent research trips to visit the Findhorn Ecovillage in Scotland (http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/) and BedZED development in Sutton, South London (http://www.bioregional.com/programme_projects/ecohous_prog/bedzed/bedzed_hpg.htm) see:

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brentfordlibdems/album?.dir=1a8c&

4. Environmentally-friendly building standards. Andrew has encouraged those that like what they see of the BedZed Development to suggest in Question 24/ Option 5 on The Brentford Plan questionnaire that the Council actively encourage developers into the area building to 'ZEDstandards' (see http://www.zedstandards.com/).