News Archive for 1999

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26/12/99 – Sunday Times and IKEA end and start the Millenium featuring HHP

HHP has continued to receive immense coverage during 1999 (see Media Publicity). However it finished and restarted the Millenium in good company. The Boxing Day edition of Sunday Times ran a feature in it’s property section, headed – "Why we all feel safe as houses living in the past – In a century of amazing change, our homes still look much the same". Hockerton was included with 3 photos captioned – "Breaking with tradition: the terrace development built by five families in Newark."……."Yet some innovators manage to develop housing that is different, like the five families in Nottinghamshire…."

Early in the New Year, the IKEA lifestyle magazine, ‘ROOM’ featured HHP, focussing on one of the families - "A home of your Own – Building your own house is the affordable, eco-friendly way to create a home… and it can even change your life. Sue Wheat speaks to three people who’ve taken on the ultimate DIY job."

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17/12/99 – HHP finishes off student’s year with a riveting talk

Simon Tilley, one of the projects key speakers went to Huddersfield University in December to deliver the last HHP presentation of the year. The mixed student audience of budding sustainable architects and technologists were very enthusiastic as demonstrated by the number of questions. HHP has developed a number of contacts with this University, including Professor Brian Edwards (School of Architecture) who wrote an article about the project in ‘The Architects Journal’ in July 1999.

If you interested in more details on HHP talks find out more at ‘Talks’.

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18/11/99 – Project visited by foreign delegation

The project was visited on 18^th November by a nearly 20 international visitors. They were in the UK as part of an environmental programme organized by the British Council. The local organisers were Nottingham City Council. The visitors came from countries all round the world, including Korea, New Zealand, Egypt and Hong Kong. The most senior visitor was a government minister from Mauritius. They seemed very impressed by what they saw on a very bright, but cold day. The warmth of the houses despite no central heating surprised them. The houses obtain all their warmth from solar gains and heat given off from bodies and appliances. The high level of insulation ensures most of this heat is retained. One project member was invited to both Korea and Egypt to help with their sustainability plans.

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29/10/99 – Eco-home on Russian TV

Residents of Hockerton Housing project were featured on a Russian TV news programme during October. The Russian TV producer heard about the project from a friend at the BBC. He thought it would make an interesting story for the viewers of the Russian TV Satellite Company, NTV Moscow. The estimated number of viewers was 30 to 40 million Russian speaking nationals across Europe, which ironically means that more Russians might know about the project than in the UK.

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Victory for wind turbine

By JAMES KELLY (Newark Advertiser)

Conservation pioneers were celebrating this week after winning a five year battle to build an 85ft wind turbine to power their homes.

Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee backed the Hockerton Housing Project's latest bid to erect the electricity generating windmill at its meeting.

The proposals, which have divided opinion in Hockerton, were approved by the narrowest of margins - the committee finding in favour of the turbine four votes to three, with one abstention.

Residents of the project have been seeking approval for the scheme since January 1995 and have seen three applications fail.

An appeal to the Department of the Environment against the rejection of their application in August 1995 was dismissed on the grounds the turbine would be an eyesore.

But Mrs Trudi White, a Hockerton Housing Project resident, said the mood at the development was now jubilant.

"It is just fantastic. We have struggled for so long for this, repeatedly hitting our head against a brick wall and having to contend with some very nasty personal comments from objectors.

"We have continued because we believe it to be the right thing to do."

Mrs White said the residents needed to raise £10,000 to build the turbine but they hoped to have it in place on Mystery Hill next year.

And she said she hoped the animosity between the supporters and objectors would subside.

"What I hope is that, in time, a lot of the concerns will be alleviated. I think people will realise there has been a lot of fuss about nothing."

At last week's planning meeting the turbine plan was criticised by the committee's Conservative members.

Mr Keith Sheppard (Con) said although the Hockerton Housing Project residents would benefit from the turbine, it would be at a cost to other locals.

"It is going to be catering for them but at a price for the village. This structure of 80-odd foot only benefits five houses. If it was going to supply the village I could understand it, but it is not," he said.

Mr Vincent Dobson (Con) said: "This is going to be a monster. What consideration have we got for the people that live close to it? I think it is outrageous," he said.

Mrs Sylvia Michael (Con), whose Caunton ward includes the Hockerton site, also addressed the meeting.

She urged members to think carefully before making any decision and said she supported Hockerton Parish Council which objected to the scheme on visual grounds.

"Two hundred metres away from the nearest property is not very far for something that towers 85ft into the sky."

But council leader Mr Stan Crawford (Lab), chairman of the Newark and Sherwood Energy Agency, strongly defended the turbine plan.

"It is about the future, not only of their families, but others and the wider community and, in fact, the planet.

"I think there is a lot of fear of the unknown. We are talking about the final piece of the jigsaw in a very innovative project."

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10/9/99 - Planner's reply

(From Newark advertiser letters page with reference to HHP Fiskerton Housing scheme – July 1999)

"In reply to Laura Field's letter 'Energy saving homes not to be scoffed at', I have to say as chairman of the planning committee that I entirely agree with her. Energy efficient homes, promoting sustainability, should be taken seriously by all concerned, particularly developers and planners. Ms Field may recall that, when considering the report, I made the comment that applications like this one should be welcomed and supported. However, I will state again, as I did in committee, that building such homes in open countryside negates most, if not all, of the benefits. Clearly a case of the right development in the wrong place." - Andy Freeman, Chairman, Development and Planning Services Committee, Newark and Sherwood District Council.

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3/9/99 – TV show focuses on green housing scheme

HHP was featured on new series of ITV lifestyle show Our House. The first programme took a peep inside Nick & Trudi White’s home at the Hockerton Housing Project. Nick and Trudi are getting used to the cameras: the project has been the subject of nearly 200 media items since it started in the mid 90’s.

Our House producer Kirsten de Keyser said the Hockerton Housing Project was an ideal scheme to feature for the millennium. "They are embracing the situation of our planet. We can’t carry on messing it up. There has to be another way, which they have shown", she said. "It is so interesting, but on the other hand so ordinary. They haven’t had to make any sacrifices to live that sort of lifestyle. Their lifestyle is comfortable and ordinary. I came away completely convinced it’s a really effective, cheap and viable way of living."

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3/9/99 Energy-saving homes not to be scoffed at

(From Newark advertiser letters page with reference to HHP Fiskerton Housing scheme – July 1999)

I attended my first Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning and development hearing keen to hear the committee's comments on the proposed energy efficient, affordable housing development at Fiskerton Station.

As this application was being discussed I was surprised to hear a number of personal opinions being expressed which were designed to degrade both the integrity of the applicants and the development.

The description of the proposed housing as "affordable" was scoffed at by one councillor, who said that he didn't know what affordable meant because it was all relative. Perhaps I can explain.

The projected price of each three-bedroomed house is about £50,000, which brings it within the grasp of a family whose income is approximately £20,000.

Another councillor described the houses as "ugly little boxes"; surely a subjective comment. When I examined the plans, I thought they looked delightful.

Perhaps the most manipulative of all was the reporting of the letters for and against the project.

At the time the notes for the meeting were compiled, there were 27 letters "for" and eight "against" the development, yet letters "for" were allowed half a page of comments, while letters "against" had a full page and a half.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has achieved national fame since allowing Hockerton Housing Project to develop.

So why does the planning committee approach another innovative energy efficient project with such contempt when "executive" homes of little architectural or environmental merit (and quite out of reach of most people) are being squeezed on to every available plot around Southwell?- LAURA FIELD, 23 May Hill, Southwell.

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23/7/99 - No-car priority for green homes

By JAMES KELLY

Pioneering conservationists have drawn up a blueprint for their second environmentally friendly housing development.

See Fiskerton for further details

The latest plans by the Hockerton Housing Project would see 12 semi-detached energy efficient homes built on 2.5 acres of land next to Fiskerton railway station, at the junction of Station Road and Occupation Lane.

The location has been deliberately chosen for its proximity to bus and rail public transport routes and non-car users would be given priority to buy.

A planning application has been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council by the Hockerton Housing Project and landowner Mr Peter Rule.

The three-bedroomed houses would each have a living room, hall, conservatory and kitchen/dining area. They would be marketed at about £50,000.

If approved, the scheme would be managed by Hockerton Housing Project Trading Ltd and Mr Rule as equal partners in a joint venture company.

Mr Nick White, resident and spokesman for HHP, said the Fiskerton development would provide a model for similar housing schemes anywhere in the UK.

"This application is the next key step in sustainable development for Newark and Sherwood - environmentally-friendly housing which also benefits occupants with lower costs and a healthier environment," he said.

"We have shown that this radical approach to housing can work. We already have a list of people ready to move in.

"We hope Newark and Sherwood recognise the challenge and are willing to again have the courage to take a national lead on sustainable development by working with us."

If approved, the redbrick homes would be built along similar lines to those at Hockerton which have won praise from leading environmentalists for their revolutionary energy efficiency.

Unlike the Hockerton scheme, the Fiskerton homes would not be earth sheltered but other energy saving techniques already in use at Hockerton would be employed in their design and construction.

Mineral wool or recycled paper would insulate the roofs of the homes, and the windows would be double or treble glazed.

Hot water would be kept in super-insulated thermal storage tanks.

Once finished, the Fiskerton homes would boast zero carbon dioxide emissions and electricity would be channelled from "green tariff" power companies which use renewable energy sources.

Academics Professor Brenda Vale and Dr Robert Vale, who used to live in Southwell before emigrating to New Zealand and who designed the Hockerton housing project, have produced plans for the new development.

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18/7/99 – Green residents work with Greenpeace to be green-fingered

Members of HHP joined forces with Greenpeace to promote Greenpeace’s ‘True Food Campaign’. The idea behind the initative was to encourage people to switch to eating and growing organic vegetables. Greenpeace wants to see a ban on genetically-engineered organisms because it fears GMO’s will damage the food chain. Hockerton members with Greenpeace volunteers worked on HHP’s organic plots for the day. Greenpeace volunteers raised money by making it a sponsored event.

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16/7/99 – Pioneers pin hopes to mast

By JAMES KELLY (Newark Advertiser)

People living in the revolutionary Hockerton Housing Project have launched a fresh bid to persuade councillors to allow a wind turbine on the site.

An application for full planning permission to build the turbine has been resubmitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council -the fourth time approval for the 84ft high turbine has been sought.

The residents have put on hold an expensive appeal against the council's last rejection of the scheme, pending the outcome of the new application.

They believe the recent council elections and new faces on the planning committee could mean the turbine plan will be given a less hostile reception at Kelham Hall.

A memo by council officials, reminding planning members of the government's favourable view of wind turbines as renewable energy sources is also thought likely to increase the application's chances of success.

Mr Simon Tilley, agent for the Hockerton Housing Project residents, who lives in one of the environmentally friendly homes, said: "With those two factors we feel we have a reasonable chance of getting full permission.

"An appeal costs a lot of money both for us and the council. We do not want to waste a lot of money and we do not think the councillors do."

Mr Tilley said the turbine was essential to provide electricity to the homes, which are currently supplied with power from the national grid.

"It is extremely important for the scheme in that we are all about sustainable development," he said.

"We have managed to cut the energy use of our homes to 10% of a standard dwelling. We feel it is really important that the remaining 10% comes from a sustainable source.

" We think the turbine will look quite good. Some people do not, but you have to weigh that up against pollution and global warming."

The turbine plans have so far been consistently blocked by the planning committee on the grounds the power-generating windmill would be a noisy eyesore.

The plan is expected to come before planning committee on September 2.

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TV Documentary focuses on wind turbine saga

On 6^th July Central TV East, the project was the subject of a 25min documentary (part of series, 24hours).

"Five families want to build a wind turbine, but neighbours are fighting their proposal" (Radio Times)

The main thrust of the programme was to show two opposing views of the Wind Turbine. The Hockerton Housing Project with its wider concern for the environment, versus local NIMBY’ism (Not in My Backyard). This reflects very much the national issue over Wind Turbines. A press release on 8/7/99 states "The British Government has not followed words with action to increase ‘green’ electricity generation and tackle global warming, a Parliamentary select committee said yesterday……Securing necessary planning and other consents for green electricity projects in Britain has been a major stumbling block and the planning and consent process needs urgent improvement, the committee said".

The producer, Mari Ashby, and many of her colleagues have followed the project from the very earliest days, before the first sod was turned. Some the archive materiel was used as a central montage to the programme, showing the construction phases of the project.

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Lady Douro visits Hockerton with Guinness heads!

Lady Douro, Chairman of the Guinness Trust, visited the project on 5^th July. She had heard about the project from a Radio 4 article last year, and being very interested in environmental issues made enquiries to find out more, and requested a visit. She came with a number of Guinness Trust staff, including Chief Executive, Mike Cohen and Regional Director, Jeff Baker. The Guinness Trust are a national housing association, and were keen to visit, since they are interested in pursuing the possibilities of developing environmentally friendly/autonomous social housing. The visit went very well on a gloriously sunny day. There was particular interest in the reed bed, ventilation system, and lack of any central heating system. Members of the project not only explained how our earth-sheltered homes work, but also how the principles could be easily applied into conventional housing, particular low-income households, where the utility savings on energy and water are most beneficial.

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24/6/99 - All the Right Moves

The Hockerton Housing Project, featured in the All the Right Moves TV programme is a lived-in example of how green housing can work, on a human level as well as an ecological one. And it does so with style, good design and by sticking to its principles.

Every component used in the Hockerton project was chosen for its environmental benefits, and nothing went to waste. This ethos spans right across the structure, from its sun-trapping triple glazed windows, to its sewerage which, after treatment, is returned to the lake as food for the fish. Conservation of energy is the key issue, maintaining a family lifestyle with the minimum impact to the environment.

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18/5/99 - Secrett visit criticizes decision

Charles Secrett, director of Friends of the Earth, visited the project in May. He was particularly concerned with the turbine decision. He said he suspected opposition was probably based on ignorance. "It is about finding the most appropriate energy sources for the most appropriate site. This is a perfectly acceptable place for a wind turbine of the scale proposed." He urged Newark & Sherwood District Council to look again at the scheme, which would see the erection of a 26m-turbine tower to supply electricity. "We would urge the council to look sympathetically. We need much more renewable energy, not less", he said.

Speaking more generally, Charles Secrett said, "Projects like this show that there are alternatives from the dominant way of life, that causes so much damage, isn’t the only way. As people come and see, listen, learn, and understand that green technologies deliver in better ways, they would like some as well – to help live a more sustainable life."

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Jan ‘99’ - What a lot of wind – but no turbine

It was always planned that the small amount of energy required for the houses would come from clean energy (renewables). This would mean that the occupants would not cause any CO₂ emissions, the main gas responsible for global warming / climate change. Since 1995 the project has submitted three separate applications to Newark and Sherwood District Council for a small wind turbine to provide this energy. In August 1995 the second application was recommended for approval by planning, but rejected by councilors. On appeal all issues against the turbine were rejected, other than it’s affect on the visual amenity of the area.

A third application was then submitted, September 1998, taking into consideration visual concerns, by substantially reducing turbine in all respects, and by situating much further away from other dwellings. The Director of Development and Planning, Mr Chris Perret recommended that full planning permission be approved. On the subject of visual impact the Director wrote - "although I accept that the proposed wind turbine will be visible in the landscape, I do not consider it to be visually detrimental to the surrounding area or nearby residents due to its reduced size. PPG22 states that it is almost impossible for a turbine to be sited without causing any visual intrusion, but that the intrusion should be weighed against Government policies for reducing greenhouse gases." All other issues raised in objection, such as noise, safety and viability were addressed and rejected.

On 26/1/99 the majority of councilors on the planning committee of Newark and Sherwood District Council decided to ignore this recommendation and vote against the application and go against government guidelines. The councilors ignored the opportunity to apply conditions to approval, which would have ensured that the turbine would only be allowed to remain erected if it created below specified noise levels. They did not invite the planning officers to answer queries or enter into open discussion. This suggests that they had made up their minds prior to the meeting and that they have no intention of ever approving a wind turbine on the Hockerton site.

We would like to publicly thank the tremendous support that we have received for the wind turbine both locally and nationally (far outweighing the opposition) and to say that we are nowhere near giving up. We will appeal against this decision as well as apply with a new application.

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