This is the name given by the developers, Lafarge, to a proposal for 11 houses on the site of some workshops in Sacombe Road associated with the former gravel workings at Waterford Heath. The architect has incorporated state-of-the-art techniques for meeting The Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 (Zero carbon), and the houses have associated allotments to provide an element of self sufficiency. It is claimed that this scheme would be a model for development elsewhere, as it would be the first in the country to pull together all the means of meeting the future housing standards necessary to achieve planned CO2 reductions. However, the land is in the Green Belt. The applicant accepts that under current guidance the proposal is inappropriate in such a location, but argues that because of its unique design features, and because the present unattractive old buildings would be removed, the circumstances are so special that approval should be granted.
We submitted an objection on the grounds that a Green Belt location is not necessary for this trial of building techniques, which could be conducted anywhere and would probably be more meaningful in an urban setting. We also suggested that, whilst certain structures have to be accepted in support of mineral extraction in the Green Belt, that is not a good argument for their replacement, once the mineral workings are exhausted, by new permanent buildings. We asked that if the District Council nevertheless decide to grant permission, they should require Lafarge to sign a binding legal agreement precluding residential development on any of their other land at Waterford. We are concerned that permission on this site might otherwise be the 'thin end of the wedge'.
