Detailed Planning
Through creative thinking and experience the SRM team is able to provide advice and add value in situations where obtaining planning may not be straightforward and where a sustainable approach incorporating environmental and social benefits will provide a win-win outcome.
Adding Value to Planning
Some commentators argue that sustainable housing is being used as an excuse for obtaining planning consent in areas that would not otherwise be considered for development. In some instances this may be true, with developers building high density housing simply with an energy efficient ‘green-wash’ over the top. SRM’s vision goes beyond what could be deemed as ‘green-wash’.
Of course the planning system lags well behind this type of innovation, and whilst national intention as opposed to policy, may be making the right noises, the management of development through the planning process remains limited by the complex machinery of local plans and now Local Development Frameworks. The SRM team are seeking to influence these to provide better support for true sustainable development in the future.
One recent example is the Harpswell Green project which includes a Biomass district heating system supplying heat to a mix of live/work properties, residential dwellings and farmhouse in a rural hamlet. The new properties are all to be built to the highest sustainable standards, with facilities for rain water harvesting etc.