• Prioritise brownfield sites for development: protect precious green open space
    This petition has been launched by the Protect Frome Valley @ Stapleton Community Association, formed in February 2015 in direct response to a proposed development on green open space adjacent to Eastville Park Lake (see photo opposite) that enjoyed multiple protective designations in Bristol’s planning policies and yet was still extremely vulnerable to what we regard as a speculative and wholly inappropriate development proposal. Bristol needs more homes: we recognise and accept this. We also recognise that this will place increasing pressure on our much loved and used green open spaces. However, Bristol does not need to sacrifice these precious and finite resources in order to meet this need. In its report ‘From Wasted Space to Living Spaces’, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) identifies that up to 30,000 homes could be built on brownfield sites in the Bristol area. The report, based on research conducted by the University of the West of England (UWE), highlights Bristol as one of the few local authorities already doing much in this regard but acknowledges that more needs to be done – both locally and nationally – to protect green open space from being lost forever. The report’s recommendations call for: A clear and consistent ‘brownfield first’ approach in planning policy Bringing back an effective strategic tier of sub-regional or county level planning Ensuring that strong strategic and local plans are encouraged, implemented and updated across the country Giving the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) greater powers and resources to redevelop large and difficult sites Developing a proactive approach to identifying brownfield land, with increased focus on regenerating large sites with multiple owners Reintroducing mandatory reporting to the National Land Use Database (NLUD) and make its data more accessible Providing assistance to smaller builders by identifying smaller sites and offering incentives for development such as the increased use of local development orders (LDOs) The full report can be found at http://bit.ly/cprerpt. We urge Bristol City Council to use the year of European Green Capital to adopt these recommendations so far as possible at City level, and in so doing develop Best Practice models as an example to other local authorities. As population densities increase, access to green open space becomes ever more important for our physical and mental wellbeing and for our beleaguered wildlife. We must make every effort to keep Bristol the wonderful place it is in which to live and work. If the legacy of our year of European Green Capital is to have any real meaning for the ordinary people of Bristol, it will lie in the quality of the Green Infrastructure that we hand on to the next generation. We urge you to support this petition. Please follow this link to the Bristol City Council e-petition site and sign the petition there , because if we reach 3,500 signatures on the BCC site, it will trigger a full council debate. http://bit.ly/bccpetn Thank You!
    118 of 200 Signatures
    Created by David Sandilands
  • Save Glasgow's Architectural Heritage
    For years Glaswegians have had to live in the shadow of disastrous planning decisions, where beautiful relics from Glasgow's rich architectural heritage have been destroyed to be replaced by ugly concrete and metal buildings. The appearance of these buildings makes the whole environment of Glasgow appear depressing and has an adverse effect on how people interact with their city daily, if the city is charmless and ugly it is harder for Glaswegians to feel proud and motivated in their day to day lives. We need to learn from the mistakes made in the 70's I urge Glasgow City Council and NFU Mutual to not demolish this building and to find ways to retain the facade regardless of increasing costs, I urge Glasgow City Council to also not allow the demolition of any historical architecture in the city and for it all to be preserved for future generations. I urge all proud Glaswegians, proud Scots and lovers of Heritage and Architecture everywhere to please sign this petition. Let's not let Glasgow become an ugly soulless mistake of a city, which based on several recent planning decisions it sadly could become. Thank you
    203 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Edward McGurn
  • Save Hog's Back and the Surrey Hills AONB
    The Hog's Back is a steep chalk ridge that runs between the towns of Guildford and Farnham in Surrey. It is 154m above sea level at its highest point and provides far reaching and dramatic views across open countryside to the north and south. The ridge is a nationally important and much loved feature of the North Downs, formed during the last Ice Age and one of England's oldest known roads. Four farms (Blackwell, Wildfield, Chalk Pit and Manor) lie at its eastern end and are under threat from development. Guildford Borough Council has earmarked Blackwell Farm for a 2,250-home development and expansion of a business park in its draft Local Plan - a move that would burst through, and enclose, an area of ancient woodland, which forms the green belt boundary on the west side of Guildford. This sprawl would open up the floodgates for a ribbon development along the slopes of Hog’s Back. The University of Surrey, which owns the land, is already pushing to increase the development to 265 hectares (3,250 homes). This is despite promises to open up this area as an informal recreational space - promises made when the University took 64 hectares out of green belt in 2004. The farmland under threat lies on the boundary to the Surrey Hills AONB and provides views into, and out of, the Hog's Back ridge. Part of site lies within the AONB. It also includes a designated Area of Great Landscape Value, areas of ancient woodland, areas of Grade 2 and 3a farmland, medieval hedgerows, and remnants of 18th century parkland. It is adjacent to a scheduled ancient monument and to a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, and is home to many rare flora and fauna, including 4 bird species of principal importance for biodiversity. The site is also of historic importance: it includes that last remaining undeveloped corner of Guildford Royal Park - Henry II's hunting ground and an important part of the town's heritage - and it provides the last remaining views of Guildford Cathedral where it rises from an entirely rural setting. The Hog's Back itself is steeped in history. It was used by worshippers travelling to Stonehenge and much later by pilgrims visiting Thomas a Becket’s shrine at Canterbury. Views from the ridge have been admired by literary figures, such as Daniel Defoe, Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll (who is buried on the Hogs Back) and Aldous Huxley. Save Hogs Back is opposed to the development of these farms and any further urbanisation of the Hog's Back landscape. We call on Guildford Borough Council to withdraw this site from its Local Plan, and on Brandon Lewis to tighten up planning legislation so that there is more robust protection for AONBs and their settings. We also call on the University of Surrey to abandon its plans to cash in on this land and instead to honour its promise to the people of Guildford to open up this area for walkers, riders, cyclists etc, whilst keeping it as a working farm. For further information, please visit www.savehogsback.co.uk
    18,370 of 20,000 Signatures
    Created by Karen Stevens
  • Save Winchester, the ancient capital of England
    Winchester was an important Roman city and later became the Anglo-Saxon capital of Wessex under King Alfred the Great. It is the birthplace of England, where much of its language, heritage, culture, democracy, education and law was established, and it holds an exceptional position in British history. The Silver Hill proposals encompass 5 acres, a very considerable proportion of the city centre, and they constitute the most significant and contentious development in Winchester’s modern history. Everyone agrees that this part of the city centre needs to be regenerated, but the objections of thousands of residents to the current proposals are due to the overwhelming scale and dismal nature of its architecture. A dull and uniform mass of such size will suffocate the appeal and character of an historic cathedral city. It will jeopardize the city’s future vitality, and its outdated retail concept will emasculate the city’s thriving high street, the oldest in northern Europe. The objections are also based on Winchester City Council’s failure to procure the contract, so that over the last 13 years they have only ever considered the one proposal by the one developer, T.H. Real Estate (aka Henderson). Residents have questioned why, when Winchester is so full of architectural talent, has the Council never considered any alternative, more sympathetic proposals for what should be a civic-led development. They have also asked how, when Henderson’s 2014 proposal was derailed by a Judicial Review, the Council has agreed to let Henderson revert to an earlier version of the proposal approved in 2009, which both parties declared was unviable. Despite being roundly criticised by a High Court Judge for being in “serious breach” of the procurement regulations, the Council has failed to take the opportunity it has had to remedy the situation, the result being the relentless progress of a senseless and entirely predictable disaster, in the face of huge opposition. Winchester was the foundation of England, and the joyous charm of its city centre reflects a spirit of a cohesive community respectful of its historic environment. Don’t let that be lost. Winchester deserves a future as rich as its past, and only with your intervention can that be assured. For more information on the campaign please visit: - the Winchester Deserves Better website: http://www.winchesterdeservesbetter.com/ - the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winchesterdeservesbetter - or the Twitter page: https://twitter.com/Best4Winchester For more information on SAVE's alternative scheme, being developed by Winchester architect Huw Thomas, please see our website and press release: http://www.savebritainsheritage.org/news/campaign.php?id=343 To donate to SAVE Britain's Heritage and support the campaign please click on the 'donate' button on our homepage: http://www.savebritainsheritage.org/index.php
    4,997 of 5,000 Signatures
    Created by Clementine Cecil
  • Save Chilterns AONB
    If this development is allowed to go ahead unchallenged it will declare an open season for developers encroaching on protected land. Part of the development is classified as brown fields as it is on the site of the Molins factory in Haw Lane. This was originally a wartime dispersal factory which was placed here with the promise that when it was demolished it would be returned to farmland- a promise that has conveniently been ignored. The factory was situated so that it was not easily visible from the road and rail links through the valley. The new proposal, however, covers far more than the Molins site. It takes a sweep up almost to the crest of Slough Hill, one of a ridge of hills forming the south side of the Risborough gap. It will be highly visible and despoil what is at present and undeveloped area. The hamlet of Saunderton will become a dormitory village. The most concerning part of this proposal is that this is within the Chilterns AONB. Of all the AONB in the country, the Chilterns, just 30 miles from London, is likely to be under most pressure. Other AONB within the London commuter belt (such as those in Berkshire) will also come under sustained threat. A strong swell of disagreement with these plans would warn other developers and councils from making further outrageous proposals.
    50 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Philip Griffin
  • More social housing
    Many people are now having to seek private rented accommodation, due to there being a lack of social housing. They are being exploited by rogue, and greedy landlords, who can get away with mistreating tenants because they don`t have anywhere else to go. It`s common to read: NO DSS, NO PETS and NO CHILDREN ! Are people on benefits commiting a crime by having to accept benefits ?? Landlords are able to dictate terms, increase the rent and give you short notice to leave. We need to have affordable and secure tenancies, not expensive private lets. Previous, and existing governments, have created this dilemma, and they have admitted to relying on private landlords to fill in the gap. Right to buy is brilliant for the people that can take advantage of this opportunity, but, if there is no plan to replace these properties, they are lost to anyone wanting to rent for ever. I believe that the revenue from the right to buy was used to help pay off the national debt; which is very short sighted, and has resulted in the dire situation we have in the housing market now. I would like to reiterate, please, can we have some COMMON SENSE used before any government policies are implemented ?
    92 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Larry Pearl
  • Penkridge Station needs TLC....NOW!
    Penkridge Railway Station is in need of some urgent major attention. This appallingly unkempt building is the first thing visitors to Penkridge see as they leave the train to make their way into our beautiful village. Local residents have been patient but enough is enough, now we want some action to resolve this matter please. The building is apparently unstable internally and the question could be asked whether the exterior is entirely safe? Station House has not been used as a residential dwelling for many years and has remained empty and uncared for, resulting in it deteriorating. A complete overhaul is long overdue so it's about time Network Rail addressed the issues surrounding our dilapidated station by putting right what they have allowed to go wrong after years of neglect. Please put this building to good use, perhaps as a cafe with toilets or other such useful facility!
    526 of 600 Signatures
    Created by Kathryn Anstiss
  • Save the Red Lion Public House - Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire
    The Red Lion Public House dates back to the 17th Century, and is an important historic Grade II Listed building, and an irreplaceable feature of the village of Gedney Hill in rural Lincolnshire. In the past it has been a thriving business at the centre of the community, but in recent years neglect, mismanagement and underinvestment on the part of the owner has led to it's decline and closure. The building has now been sold to an individual who intends to convert the site into a house, and demolish part of the porch structure on the front of the oldest part of the listed building. This is now the only public house remaining in this area, and many local people believe that under the right ownership it could again be a popular venue and a successful and sustainable business. Please help to ensure the future of this vital hub of local village life by signing the petition.
    264 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Alex Brown
  • Protect Peckham - Article 4 Deputation to Cabinet members Tues 21st July
    The recent change to planning legislation means that permission is no longer required for businesses to change use, even in conservation areas. Rye Lane is be likely to be targeted by large chains looking to take advantage of this change. The problem is that this will put huge pressure on rents, pressure which many local, cherished independents are not likely to survive. The Direction will give time to planning officers to consider proposals in accordance with the development plan. We want Rye Lane to continue serving all its diverse Londoners, and supporting local creative economies, not letting them be priced out of Peckham.
    1,614 of 2,000 Signatures
    Created by Rebecca McCutcheon
  • Making Basement Excavations Safer with Compulsory Controls
    Over the last few years basement excavations have caused considerable damage to a large number of properties in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames and many residents are alarmed by the increasing demand for basement extensions. We are not campaigning against basements as such but we believe that Richmond Council as a matter of urgency needs to put in place effective protection for neighbours and our environment. In the majority of cases problems have occurred as a result of inadequate knowledge of complex ground and groundwater conditions, combined with poor understanding of the effects of excavation. Our Council has recently issued guidelines suggesting tests to accompany any planning application for a basement but these tests are insufficient; they do not specify the level of expertise and qualifications require; and crucially THEY ARE NOT COMPULSORY. Other councils, such as Camden and Kensington & Chelsea, are tackling the same problems much more rigorously, demanding that anyone wishing to install a basement must first commission a Basement Impact Assessment from highly qualified experts, and also a detailed construction plan. Only when this has been accepted by the Council's technical experts will a planning application for the basement be considered. Historically many areas in and around Richmond have had problems with underground water and some parts were basically marshland, as shown in the 1837 Tithe Map of Barnes Parish. Because so many parts of the London Borough of Richmond are vulnerable to much increased and often uncontrolled excavation, the protection outlined above is urgently required for all its residents.
    237 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Safer Basements
  • Help us cross the road safely!
    Guideposts Trust runs a day community service, and our service users- all of whom have a Learning Disability- have to cross the road here daily. Thousands of cars speed down this busy road every single day, which makes finding a safe space to cross over extremely difficult and dangerous. Alongside this, almost every office/company situated in Two Rivers crosses here too, so we know we aren't alone. Please sign our petition today and secure a safer environment for those who live and work in the affected area.
    359 of 400 Signatures
    Created by Emily Huckstep
  • empty flats
    These flats are two bedroom properties that were part of the conditions of planning, they have been empty for nearly ten years as it seems there was never a completion date built into the contract, I have been on BM radio with Adrian Goldberg, written to my MP Steve McCabe these are supposed to be affordable flats that 22 families are being denied. Housing homeless families at affordable rents is vital to our society
    35 of 100 Signatures
    Created by syd vughana