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From the Newsletter- January 2005 |
GLAD TIDINGS
At this time of year it is great to report that things are moving in the right direction. Don’t get over-excited. Nothing has recently been built which demonstrates the fresh wind of change but . . . .
Towards good Practice in Sustainable Urban Land Use” (which has been so well received elsewhere) is now recommended in Bristol.
Bristol’s Sustainable Transport theme Group recommends use of this guide in proposals presented to the City Integrated Transport Conference 8.12.2004.
The Sustainable Development Action Group (SDAG) is recommending well designed, high density mixed use to reduce the need for motorised journeys whilst protecting the quality that makes Bristol special.
The National Excellence network also recommends the guide.
Empowerment of local communities to be continuously involved in the planning process is now required by National Government. The implications for creative, articulate communities such as Redcliffe are very important. Professional advice on technical constraints will always be essential; but where choice exists the community must become an equal partner in democratic decision making.
Scrutiny commissions, which include Co-optees from voluntary bodies such as Bristol Civic Society, are widening their role – to support Select Committees including one which is seeking to reform the Planning System! The Committee reports early in the New Year.
Bristol is now involved in a Regional Network of Excellence, which held the SW launch in Bristol, where our guide was once again approved. We are now planning to monitor progress on 13 U.K. sites visited and we intend to include this data in the 2nd print run.
David Whitney, a Bristol born senior lecturer at Leeds University has provided recent information from an International Conference in Portland, Oregon which offers a ray of hope for sustainability in America and may inspire local communities in Bristol. The establishment of the city’s main square is a fine example of significant urban changes that spring from grass-root activities. Private funds had to support most of the conversion - More than 150million U.S. dollars. For a minimal sum people brought paving bricks with their name engraved.
Traffic calming in Portland
One reason that it worked so well is that Portland residents, having fought and paid for it, own it. As one resident put it “Portland is one of the few cities in America that gets better every year”. Perhaps this may inspire Redcliffe’s revered campaign to create a pedestrian square in front of St Mary Redcliffe.
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Streets for People and unexpected Sculpture in Portland, Oregon
Lastly, there is renewed, serious interest in erecting a bronze statue of
Long John Silver (in Bristol’s beautifully restored King Street). Like
Edinburgh’s statue of Sherlock Holmes, Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid and
Nottingham’s Robin Hood, we have a legendary international figure unique to
Bristol. It really would be an icon.
I’ve been complaining for some time about current trends in “Anywhere
Architecture”. A new book has just been delivered called “Clone Town
Britain”. A national survey is underway.
JERRY HICKS.
Urban design and LA21 Land Use Chairman.
Tel: 0117 926 0209
email: jerry@twoj.org
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