Addressing an audience of development, regeneration and environmental professionals, as well as government officials, he illustrated how planning systems worldwide have evolved to create bargaining systems between politicians and developers.To counter this and deliver true sustainability with subsidiarity, new codes of professional ethics were required, he argued.
“Our present system of allowing planning and development to be ‘in the gift’ of both local and national politicians has completely failed millions of people who can no longer find an affordable home.� Professor Benfield told the conference.“There is no easy fix to correct the damage done to British society, but passing control of all national resources – land, property, minerals, water, energy, and so on – to an independent body of stewards could be the solution.�
Likening his proposal to the present Governments decision to separate the setting of interest rates from the Treasury and charging the Bank of England with this function, he suggested that, in the same way, these ‘Resource Stewards’ should not be answerable to Government. Instead they should have a remit to consult widely and use ‘direct democracy’ representation to help plan the use and application of the nations natural wealth for the very long-term future.
“Real, long term wealth, involves social, welfare, community and various forms of resource capital.� He pointed out“Yet official intervention has become cultural manipulation, -civic social concern has become city entrepreneurialism, regulatory systems have become frameworks for negotiation, global economics is distorting fundamental truths & values, and consumerism is squandering everyone’s efforts, just as successive Governments have managed to fritter away our North Sea Oil wealth.�
“Achieving ‘Truly Sustainable’ development demands a new ethic capable of embracing and reflecting the new imperatives of ‘sustainability’ & ‘subsidiarity’ which must transcend present distorted economic goals, address intergenerational equity, and give ‘earth’ a voice at the negotiating table.� he argued, adding that, “If enforced, they could help overcome political shorttermism.�
MORE INFORMATION:
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Professor Michael Benfield
One of the four ‘founding fathers’ of the international ‘Green Party’ movement, Dr. Michael Benfield is visiting Professor of Research in Civil and Construction Engineering with the University of Wales, Newport. He heads Benfield ATT - a leading national firm of timber frame design, manufacture and build engineers - based in Caldicot, South East Wales (www.benfieldatt.co.uk). Additionally he has recently been appointed to chair the ‘Knowledge Hub’ – forerunner of a full-blown ‘Centre of Excellence’ – for the Wales Forest Business Partnership (WFBP). Sponsored by the WDA and Forestry Commission, the WFBP aims to facilitate the development of the Welsh timber industries sector in achieving World Class recognition.
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Benfield ATT Ltd
Privately-owned, Benfield ATT are one of the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturers to specialise in bespoke private, commercial and public-sector build projects. The most qualified construction firm in the UK, Benfield ATT have won numerous awards which are contributing to the consistent pace of growth the company enjoys.
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Contact Kelvin Godhard @ Benfield ATT Ltd
Visit website – www.benfieldatt.co.uk/media
01291 437050 or kelving@benfieldatt.co.uk
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National Sustainable Regeneration Conference
Attended by decision-makers involved in urban regeneration and housing renewal schemes, the conference addressed three main areas; the exemplar Sustainable Eastside scheme in Birmingham, how to get ahead of the game by Anticipating Sustainable Development Requirements and how Sustainable Development and Regeneration must adapt for climate change requirements.
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Contact Katie Prangle at Sustainable Eastside, Birmingham City Council
Visit website – www.sustainable-eastside.net
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Press Release distributed: 08 March 2006. Click below to view on news sites.
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