Lib Dem plan to address sustainability issues of new retail quarter

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Jul 2006

Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Culture.

Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Culture, is calling for a 'Sustainability Group' to be setup in order to advise the developer of the huge new retail quarter in Sheffield. The group would advise on sustainable design in terms of the reduction of carbon emissions. The group would also advise on the preservation of existing important buildings.

Cllr David Baker outlined his plans in the letter below: -

The new Retail Quarter in Sheffield is approaching. The planning application is due to be considered in August/September and, if successful, work is due to start on the project in 2007.

Although it is still early in the process, the issue of the sustainability of the project needs to be raised. We also need to look into the issues of conservation and the suitability of design. This is why I believe there is a case for setting-up an independent sustainability group in order to work with the developer and help shape their proposals with the above issues in mind.

The new Retail Quarter is one of the largest development projects Sheffield has ever seen. It is an ideal opportunity to enhance the city's green reputation and contribute towards the battle against climate change. We need to consider how the design incorporates the reduction of carbon emissions by looking at things like solar power, micro wind generation, combined heat and power and maximum energy efficiency. We also need to ensure the preservation of important old buildings and new buildings should incorporate high levels of sustainable design, beyond those currently required by planning guidance.

A sustainability group can help achieve this. In my view such a group should comprise representatives from the local business community, the council, conservation groups and other interested and appropriate parties.

The group would advise and work with the developer of the project in order to improve the project for all concerned, It could also act as a catalyst for members of the public to air their views on the project.

I urge the council to look at facilitating such a group as soon as possible. It is within all our interests to get this development right so that it satisfies all our needs. I believe an independent sustainability group could be pivotal in achieving this.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Culture.