Urban Characterisation Studies
In October 2009 Gill Thompson and Eline Hanson introduced to a full house of Network Members their work in delivering an Urban Characterisation Study for Brighton and Hove. You can see their presentation (PDF). 

Bournville - an original sustainable community?
In September 2009 a large group of Network Members (PDF) explored one of the original ‘sustainable communities’ that continues to renew and develop – Bournville in Birmingham. Thanks to Bournville Village Trust those attending enjoyed an educational, inspirational and healthy event all rolled into one. 

Community Engagement - Milton Keynes
The Network event in May 2008 in Milton Keynes  – which has pioneered the use of an infrastructure tariff or what has been dubbed a ‘roof tax’ on new housing to fund new community infrastructure – was greatly valued by those that attended. The Milton Keynes Partnership members outlined how a co-operative approach playing to the skills of each Partnership member is helping to ensure that new communities are ‘settled in’ more successfully and more comprehensively than had been possible in the past. And this with a significant level of growth still being aimed for in Milton Keynes, with an ambition to become ‘a significant European City’ no less. Two part presentation (PDF) one and two (large files).  

Eco-neighbourhood Tour
In October 2007 a most successful Network event was offered by Family Housing Association in Birmingham. In conjunction with Birmingham City Council, Family is developing the first 'eco-neighbourhood' in the City. This is a multi-faceted initiative developed with the residents as an element in the regeneration of this run down neighbourhood in the inner City. Already 250 properties have been retro-fitted with solar panel water heating, a show house has been completed illustrating the range of 'green' technologies that might be applied (including the wind turbine in the photo on this page), and Family's own refurbishment works are utilising the best of the systems to ensure that the new residents benefit alongside the existing ones.

David Stevenson, Director of Investment, Assets and Regeneration for Family Housing said "We were extremely pleased to be approached by the RTPI and arrange a tour of the Eco Neighbourhood project. This is the first of its kind in the city, fitting solar panels completely free of charge or at a significantly reduced cost depending on the householders’ income."

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Author:

Catherine Middleton

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

24-Jun-10

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