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Watch the hustings (here or on YouTube) and find our how the candidates answered the questions put to them. The next three years are the most critical 3 years in modern times. The Climate Emergency, post-COVID, is the key election issue. The first council elections for 2 years are upon us. And, on May 6th,… Continue reading BTN Hustings 21st April for Borough Council elections 6th May 2021

At Basingstoke Transition Network (BTN) we believe we can work together to find ways to reduce our carbon emissions and develop sustainable lifestyles while building a resilient and flourishing local community. We also wish to protect the natural environment and promote improved bio-diversity and nature conservation within the borough.  BTN is part of the Transition… Continue reading Basingstoke Transition Network

The Council issued its statutory report on air pollution for 2020 (actually covers 2019 and is dated June 2020)  which is accessible from its page: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/air-quality Basingstoke Clean Air Campaign has reviewed it and notes the following points: 12 sites commenced monitoring air quality in 2017 (including in Bramley and Chineham but mostly on busy… Continue reading 2020 Air Pollution report from Borough Council

https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/visionforhampshire2050 The Hampshire 2050 Commission of Inquiry reported in 2019, and more recently, on 21st July 2020, held a meeting on “Creating a Sustainable Hampshire”, the report of which is here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/visionforhampshire2050/hampshire-2050-partnership/21-july-2020 This (virtual) meeting looked at five key areas: Rebuilding a more sustainable economy Cutting air pollution and promoting active travel Creating greener, digitally… Continue reading Hampshire 2050 Partnership

BTN urges its supporters to comment on the Borough Council’s consultations on the Local Plan, and on Climate Change and Air Pollution.  See: (a) Local Plan Update – deadline Monday 9th November https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/issues-and-options (b) Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy – deadline Sunday 15th November https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climate-consultation BTN will be considering its collective response on Tuesday… Continue reading Borough Council consultations on Local Plan and Climate Change/Air Pollution

From Sheila Peacock, secretary, BTN: I spent an afternoon reading the government’s proposal for reforming the English planning laws, which are at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/launch-of-planning-for-the-future-consultation-to-reform-the-planning-system https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future Deadline is 11:45 pm on 29th October (that will be GMT since the clocks goback the previous Saturday – so you get an extra hour to ponder it – !!) There… Continue reading Government white paper “Planning for the Future”

The government is inviting applications from up to 600,000 homeowners or landlords to be given out in grants of up to £5k covering up to 2/3 of the cost of home improvements to increase energy efficiency or supply low-carbon heat.  See https://greenhomesgrant.campaign.gov.uk/?utm_campaign=green_homes_grant_2020&utm_medium=ppc&utm_source=google&utm_content=search-051020 You have to find a registered installer via TrustMark at https://www.trustmark.org.uk Another useful… Continue reading Green Homes Grants

https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/webcast The entirety of this post was sent to BTN by some local residents and BTN endorses these questions.  If you agree with them please do write to your Councillor in advance of the 15th October Full Council meeting,6.30 pm – watch on YouTube at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/webcast   Questions on Nature and Biodiversity for Council on… Continue reading Local Residents ask Questions of BDBC on Nature and Biodiversity

Paul Beevers provides this discussion paper (pdf at PlaceShapingandnewdevelopmentinBasingstokeandDeane) The subject of “Place” or Place Shaping” was a topic for open discussion at the latest meeting of Basingstoke Transition. The first consultations on Manydown when the project was first launched several years ago involved a company called Beyond Green to bring ideas and lead public… Continue reading Place Shaping and new development in Basingstoke and Deane

UPDATE – we received a formal reply to the collective letter sent to Hampshire County Council.  The reply, dated 7th September 2020 and from the Climate Change Team, states that the Council will not move the target date for carbon neutrality forward from 2050, because it does not want to promise what it can’t achieve,… Continue reading Twenty-Fifty is too late!