Contents
Information about the Planning System
General advice for campaigning against supermarket developments
Planning advice
Legal advice
Information about the Planning System Friends of the Earth
FOE has a dedicated planning website which includes a campaigner's guide to understanding the new local planning system in England.
www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index.html
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
The government department responsible for planning. See their website for information on reform of the planning system, environmental impact assessment, planning policy guidance notes, planning policy statements and consultation documents.
26 Whitehall London SW1A 2WH Tel: 020 7944 4400 www.odpm.gov.uk
Planning Inspectorate
The Planning Inspectorate is the government agency that processes planning and enforcement appeals and holds inquiries into local development plans. It also deals with a wide variety of other planning-related casework, including listed building consent appeals, advertisement appeals and reporting on planning applications.
The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN Tel:0117 372 8000 Fax: 0117 372 8139 www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk
Planning Portal
Run by the Planning Inspectorate, this website gives information about how the planning system works in England and Wales, how to make planning applications and appeals, copies of planning policy guidance (England) and technical advice notes (Wales), local plans for each area and the latest planning news including relevant legal cases.(see above)
www.planningportal.gov.uk
Planning Help
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Planning Help website has lots of information which explains the new planning system and how it works as well as information to help stop new developments. They have also produced a number of more detailed guides to the stages of the planning process, including planning applications, planning appeals, departure applications and 'call-ins' and strategic environmental assessment, which can be downloaded from the website. www.planninghelp.org.uk
The Stationery Office
Copies of Acts of Parliament including the Town and Country Planning Acts and Planning Policy Guidance notes are available from the stationary office. Either visit the TSO bookshop, 123 Kingsway, London WC2B 6PQ Tel: 020 7242 6393 or 020 7242 6410 Fax: 020 7242 6394 email: There are also TSO bookshops in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester. Or order publications by tel: 0870 600 5522, fax: 0870 600 5533, email: or on their website: www.tso.co.uk
General advice for campaigning against supermarket developments Cadw
The historic environment agency within the Welsh Assembly with responsibility for protecting, conserving and promoting an appreciation of the historic environment of Wales. This includes historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, landscapes and underwater archaeology.
Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ Tel: 01443 33 6000 email: website: www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
CPRE is a national charity which 'promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country'. It campaigns on the environmental and sustainability issues relating to new development. There are lots of local groups and at any one time several of them are likely to be involved in campaigning against new supermarket developments. Contact CPRE to find out the contact details of your nearest group. Planning Help is a project of the CPRE which aims to show how the planning system can be used to protect the countryside and promote urban regeneration. They have produced a number of guides to the stages of the planning process, including planning applications, planning appeals, departure applications and 'call-ins', and strategic environmental assessments which can be downloaded from the planning help website. www.planninghelp.org.uk
128 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SW. Tel: 020 7981 2800 Fax: 020 7981 2899. email: websites: www.cpre.org.uk
Corporate Watch
Publisher of this guide, Corporate Watch is a not-for-profit research organisation working to expose the environmental and social impact of corporations and the structural and systemic causes behind them. We produce briefings and profiles of corporations, publishe a bi-monthly newsletter and fortnightly email news updates. We also act as an information service to support, strengthen and initiate grassroots campaigns against corporations. Other publications likely to be of interest to those campaigning against supermarket developments include 'Whats Wrong with Supermarkets?', A Rough Guide to the UK Farming Crisis' and profiles of the three largest supermarkets: Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury.
16b Cherwell Street,Oxford OX4 1BG, UK Tel: 01865 791 391 email: website: www.corporatewatch.org.uk
Countryside Council for Wales
The Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales.
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW Tel: 0845 1306229 website: www.ccw.gov.uk
Council for British Archaeology
National pressure and campaign group working to promote conservation of the historic environment and all aspects of archaeology and cultural heritage. Will offer advice.
St Mary's House, Bootham, York, Y030 7BZ. Tel: 01904 671 417
email: website: www.britarch.ac.uk
The Earth First! network
A non-hierarchical network of autonomous groups around the country which use direct action to confront, stop and eventually reverse the forces that are responsible for the destruction of the Earth and its inhabitants. EF! is not a cohesive group or campaign, but a convenient banner, for people who share similar philosophies, to work under.
Publishes the Earth First! Action Update, a roundup of direct actions and a contact list of Earth First! local groups.
www.earthfirst.org.uk A contact list of local Earth First! groups is also on the Urban 75 website at www.urban75.com/Links/earth. Contact your nearest group if your campaign is considering taking direct action.
English Heritage (Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission)
A Government quango which aims to maintain and care for historic sites in England. They can help you to assess the non-planning implications of planning applications eg advising on archaeological and cultural heritage features.
23 Saville Row, London, W1S 2ET. Tel: 0207 973 3000 Fax: 0207 973 3430 www.english-heritage.org.uk
English Nature
The government's conservation advisors, can provide guidance on wildlife law and other conservation issues, but are very conservative. Publications include a report on Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology and a practitioners guide to the preparation of Strategic Environmental Assessments.
Northminster House, Peterborough, PE1 1UA. Tel: 01733 455101 Fax: 01733 455103 email: www.english-nature.org.uk
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth (FOE) is one of the UK’s largest environmental campaigning groups. Contact them for more information on all aspects of local campaigning including a series of “How to...” guides for campaigners and for details of your local FOE group. FOE has a dedicated planning advisor Hugh Ellis, email: hughe(at)foe.co.uk and a planning website which has a campaigner's guide to understanding the new planning system in England www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index
Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth is an experienced campaigner on planning issues and is happy to talk to other campaigners: Tel: 01793 783 040 email: foeswindon (at) hotmail.com FOE's ‘Real Food’ campaign focuses extensively on the supermarkets and impact on consumers, farmers, the community and the environment. See recent profile of Tesco - 'The Tesco Takeover' (June 2005)
26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ. Tel: 0207 490 1555 email: website: www.foe.co.uk
Historic Scotland
An agency within the Scottish Executive responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding Scotland's built heritage, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment. Can advise on cultural and archeological features.
Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8600 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
The Land Is Ours (TLIO)
A landrights movement for Britain, campaigning for access to the land, its resources and the decision making processes affecting them. Amongst its aims are derelict urban land to be used to meet basic social needs affordable homes and free recreation, ahead of destructive luxuries like superstores and exclusive housing). TLIO also campaigns for sustainable agriculture, protection and reclamation of common space, and the reform of planning and public inquires. See also Chapter 7 in the planning advice section.
The Potato Store, Flax Drayton Farm, South Petherton, Somerset TA13. Tel: 01460 249204 email: website: www.tlio.org.uk
Open Spaces Society
Give advice on the protection of common land, open spaces and public rights of way under threat.
25a Bell St, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BA. Tel: 01491 573535 email: website: www.oss.org.uk
OTDOGS - Opposition to Destruction of Open Green Spaces
OTDOGS specialises in fighting supermarket applications in sensitive areas. Published a useful guide to fighting supermarket development “Save Green Spaces from Destruction by food giants: a practical guide to local action.” see page XX for more details. John Beasley is happy to give advice over the telephone and in writing. John would also be interested to hear from people who suspect that `sweeteners' have been offered by supermarkets, eg offers to build new playing fields, roads, sports centres etc. These are often used to make the opening of a new superstore more palatable to local councils and to encourage the granting of planning permission.
c/o John Beasley, 6 Everthorpe Rd, Peckham, London, SE15 4DA. Tel: 0208 693 9412.
Rescue: The British Archaeological Trust
A charity which is committed to the protection, conservation, recording and interpretation of archaeological evidence in order to maintain the position of archaeology as a vital part of our nations cultural life. Provides technical assistance and advice to local people and groups to help preserve and record threatened archaeological sites..
15a Bull Plain, Hertford, Hertfordshire, G14 1DX. Tel: 01992 553377 email: website: www.rescue-archaeology.freeserve.co.uk
Roadblock
An alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against road-building. They offer support and training for local groups and campaigners through briefings, telephone advice, training events and conferences. Contact them for advice and information on campaigning, if the proposed development you are fighting involves a road scheme.
PO Box 164, Totnes, TQ9 5WX. Tel: 01803 847 649 / 07854 693 067 email: office(at)roadblock.org.uk website: www.roadblock.org.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
Works to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage: the wildlife, habitats and landscapes. Advisors to the Scottish Parliament on conservation and development issues.
12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS Tel: 0131 447 4784 website: www.snh.org.uk
Seeds for Change
Works with activists and campaigners in the UK to help them organise for action and positive social change. Offer free workshops and training for community groups, as well as a series of briefings on practical campaigning skills, working in groups and using computer technology. The briefings are available to download from the website or by post. For workshops in Scotland, Northern England and North Wales, contact Seeds for Change, 96 Church St, Lancaster, LA1 1TD Tel: 0845 330 7583 lancaster(at)seedsforchange.org.uk
For workshops in the South of England and South Wales, contact Seeds for Change, 16b Cherwell Street, Oxford, OX4 1BG Tel: 0845 458 4776 oxford(at)seedsforchange.org.uk website: www.seedsforchange.org.uk
Sprawlbusters
Consultants who help local citizens groups to strategize and to design and implement successful campaigns against superstores and other undesirable large-scale developments.
Al Norman, 21 Grinnell St, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA Tel: 00 (413) 772-6289 (evenings, EST) email: info(at)sprawl-busters.com website: www.sprawl-busters.com
SUSTAIN: the alliance for better food and farming
Membership organisation with over 100 member organisations who have an interest in food and farming issues in the UK. It advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
94 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF Tel: 0207 837 1228 email: sustain(at)sustainweb.org website: www.sustainweb.org
The Wildlife Trusts
A network of charitable trusts working to conserve local wildlife and wild places. Contact the national office for details of your local Wildlife Trust office. They can offer help and advice on how to protect local wildlife.
The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT. Tel: 01636 677 711 www.wildlifetrusts.org
Further information on supermarkets and the alternatives Banana Link
Organisation working for sustainable production and trade in bananas. They aim to facilitate fair trade with marginalised banana producers and to encourage importers and retailers to comply with minimum social and environmental standards. Work co-operatively with partners in Latin America, the Caribbean, West Africa and the Philippines and with a network of European and North American organisations.
8a Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JG Tel: 01603 765670 email: info(at)bananalink.org.uk website: www.bananalink.org.uk
Fairtrade Foundation
Organisation responsible for awarding the fairtrade mark to products in the UK. Details of where to get fairtrade products are on the website.
Room 204, 16 Baldwin's Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ Tel: 0207 405 5942 email: mail(at)fairtrade.org.uk website: www.fairtrade.org.uk
Foundation for Local Food Initiatives (f3)
A not-for-profit organisation which provides consultancy services to the local food sector. Aims to promote and support the growth of healthy local food economies, as a key part of sustainable development. The website acts as an information resource for the local food sector. The FLAIR project - the Food and Local Agriculture Information Resource - is a partnership project led by f3, which is analysing the scale, scope and benefits of the local food sector in the UK, is helping to create a national database of local food initiatives, and enabling the development of a national food links network. The FLAIR project produces a monthly email newsletter, 'Local Food News'.
PO Box 1234, Bristol, BS99 2PG Tel: 0845 458 9525 email mail(at)localfood.org.uk www.localfood.org.uk
Grassroots Action on Food and Farming (GAFF)
GAFF carries out research in collaboration with Corporate Watch and also campaigns to curb the increasing corporate control of agriculture and the food system. It is working to facilitate the creation of new networks and alliances between farmers, farmers' groups, environmentalists and the public both in the UK and globally, to oppose the increasing corporate control of the food system and the demise of the small and family farm. GAFF is a member of the Breaking the Armlock Alliance www.breakingthearmlock.com, which is calling for stricter controls over the major supermarkets, including a mandatory code of conduct with their suppliers and a supermarket watchdog. It is also a member of the Tescopoly alliance, focusing attention on Tesco's excessive market share.
16b Cherwell Street, Oxford, OX4 1BN email: info(at)gaff.org.uk website: www.gaff.org.uk
New Economics Foundation (NEF)
NEF is an independent thinktank that aims to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. NEF has produced two research reports on 'Ghost Town Britain' – which examine the huge decline of small traders and services and the death of our town and neighbourhood centres caused by the construction of large out-of-town shopping centres and waves of high street bank branch closures. They have also published a report 'Clone Town Britain' which looks at the replacement of small independent stores by identikit chainstores throughout the country's high streets. NEF has catalysed the creation of 'local works' - a campaign to support the Local Communities Sustainability Bill, which is now in progress through parliament. The Bill aims to put power back in the hands of local people, to make their own plans for how they want to develop and sustain their communities. The Tools for local economic renewal project provides workshops and resources for local communities to help empower them to take action to revive their local economies.
3 Jonathan Street, London, SE11 5NH Tel: 020 7820 6300 email: info(at)neweconomics.org website: www.neweconomics.org/gen/
Women’s Environmental Network
Campaigns on local food issues. They are currently running a 'Cultivating the Future' campaign, working with a network of ethnic minority women's groups developing organic growing and composting skills.
PO Box 30626 London E1 1TZ Tel: 020 7481 9004 email: info(at)wen.org.uk www.wen.org.uk
Planning advice Sympathetic planning experts who may be able to advise your campaign: Campaign for Planning Sanity
Planning Sanity provides free advice to individuals and local communities to help them tackle adverse planning and development applications that threaten to blight their communities. Also has an extensive website of planning related resources.
Chris Maile, 97 Spa Crescent, Little Hulton, Gtr Manchester, M38 9TU Tel: 0871 750 3992, email: info(at)planningsanity.co.uk website: www.planningsanity.co.uk
Chapter 7
The planning office of The Land Is Ours, Chapter 7, campaigns for a planning system that actively encourages sustainable, low impact and affordable homes. They also provide advice to individuals and community groups trying to gain planning permission for low impact development and those fighting major development proposals such as supermarkets. Call their office on Thursdays for planning advice.
Simon Fairlie, The Potato Store, Flax Drayton Farm, South Petherton, Somerset TA13. Tel: 01460 249204 email: chapter7 (at)tlio.demon.co.uk website: www.tlio.org.uk/chapter7
Paul Disney
Advice on transport impact assessment, especially PPG6, PPG13.
Lower Heltor Farm, Bridford, Devon, EX6 7EH.
Tel: 01647 440138. Fax: 01647 440047 email: pauldisney (at)btinternet.com
Friends of the Earth
FOE has a dedicated planning advisor, Hugh Ellis, and a planning website which has a campaigner's guide to understanding the new planning system in England www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index
26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ. Tel: 0207 490 1555 email: hughe(at)foe.co.uk
Gerald Kells
Experienced local campaigner has participated in a number of public enquiries against major retail developments, including the building of Asda and Tesco stores in Walsall and the expansion of Merry Hill shopping centre. He can advise individuals and community groups about public enquiries, the planning process and campaign strategy.
55 Folly House Lane, Walsall, WS1 3EL. Tel: 01922 636601 email: gerald.kells(ay)talk21.com
Michael Parkes
Self-employed urban planner, who was involved in the planning for real exercise with Gargoyle Wharf Community Action Group, who fought against a supermarket in Wandsworth, London. Forty years experience with regeneration proposals, fighting roads etc. Can give free advice to community groups who can't afford to pay a planner.
315 Trinity Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 3SL.Tel: 0208 874 3342. email: parkes(at)parkes.worldonline.co.uk
Planning Aid
Planning Aid is a voluntary service offering free, independent and professional advice on town planning matters to community groups and individuals who cannot afford to employ a planning consultant. They have regional offices across Britain, contact the national Planning Aid Unit or see their website to find out the contact details of your nearest planning aid office.
National Planning Aid Unit, Unit 419, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA. Tel/fax: 0121 693 1201 email: info(at)planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
website: www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-advice/pa-paid
To find other planning consultants in your area contact your local planning department or Citizen's Advice Bureau and ask for a list of Charterted Town Planners.
Legal advice Earthrights Solicitors
A law firm which aims to protect the environment by giving advice on pollution, waste, noise, wildlife/habitat, landrights, rights of way, transport, squatters' rights and planning law to individuals and community groups - where appropriate for free or at low cost.
John Dunkley/Charlie Hopkins, Little Orchard, School Lane, Molehill Green, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6JP Tel: 07071 225 011 e-mail: earthrights(at)gn.apc.org website: www.earthrights.gn.apc.org
Environmental Law Foundation (ELF)
A charity which provides individuals and community groups with information and advice on how the law can help resolve environmental problems in the broad categories of pollution, development and health. ELF provides advice and, if appropriate, referrals to its network of members, who have legal and technical expertise, for a free initial consultation. Members agree to do any further work at reduced fees, legal aid rates, or, in some cases, for free.
Suite 309, 16 Baldwins Gardens, Hatton Square, London EC1N 7RJ Tel: 0207 404 1030 email: info(at)elflaw.org website: www.elflaw.org
Environmental Law Centre
Provides information and advice to individuals and community groups to help them take legal action where they have suffered adverse health effects from environmental pollution.
Dr Kartar Badsha: Hollibury House , PO Box 267, Southport, PR8 1WD Tel: 0870 1657 468 email: website: www.elc.org.uk
Information about the Planning System
General advice for campaigning against supermarket developments
Planning advice
Legal advice
Information about the Planning System Friends of the Earth
FOE has a dedicated planning website which includes a campaigner's guide to understanding the new local planning system in England.
www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index.html
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
The government department responsible for planning. See their website for information on reform of the planning system, environmental impact assessment, planning policy guidance notes, planning policy statements and consultation documents.
26 Whitehall London SW1A 2WH Tel: 020 7944 4400 www.odpm.gov.uk
Planning Inspectorate
The Planning Inspectorate is the government agency that processes planning and enforcement appeals and holds inquiries into local development plans. It also deals with a wide variety of other planning-related casework, including listed building consent appeals, advertisement appeals and reporting on planning applications.
The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN Tel:0117 372 8000 Fax: 0117 372 8139 www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk
Planning Portal
Run by the Planning Inspectorate, this website gives information about how the planning system works in England and Wales, how to make planning applications and appeals, copies of planning policy guidance (England) and technical advice notes (Wales), local plans for each area and the latest planning news including relevant legal cases.(see above)
www.planningportal.gov.uk
Planning Help
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Planning Help website has lots of information which explains the new planning system and how it works as well as information to help stop new developments. They have also produced a number of more detailed guides to the stages of the planning process, including planning applications, planning appeals, departure applications and 'call-ins' and strategic environmental assessment, which can be downloaded from the website. www.planninghelp.org.uk
The Stationery Office
Copies of Acts of Parliament including the Town and Country Planning Acts and Planning Policy Guidance notes are available from the stationary office. Either visit the TSO bookshop, 123 Kingsway, London WC2B 6PQ Tel: 020 7242 6393 or 020 7242 6410 Fax: 020 7242 6394 email: There are also TSO bookshops in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester. Or order publications by tel: 0870 600 5522, fax: 0870 600 5533, email: or on their website: www.tso.co.uk
General advice for campaigning against supermarket developments Cadw
The historic environment agency within the Welsh Assembly with responsibility for protecting, conserving and promoting an appreciation of the historic environment of Wales. This includes historic buildings, ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, landscapes and underwater archaeology.
Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ Tel: 01443 33 6000 email: website: www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
CPRE is a national charity which 'promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country'. It campaigns on the environmental and sustainability issues relating to new development. There are lots of local groups and at any one time several of them are likely to be involved in campaigning against new supermarket developments. Contact CPRE to find out the contact details of your nearest group. Planning Help is a project of the CPRE which aims to show how the planning system can be used to protect the countryside and promote urban regeneration. They have produced a number of guides to the stages of the planning process, including planning applications, planning appeals, departure applications and 'call-ins', and strategic environmental assessments which can be downloaded from the planning help website. www.planninghelp.org.uk
128 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SW. Tel: 020 7981 2800 Fax: 020 7981 2899. email: websites: www.cpre.org.uk
Corporate Watch
Publisher of this guide, Corporate Watch is a not-for-profit research organisation working to expose the environmental and social impact of corporations and the structural and systemic causes behind them. We produce briefings and profiles of corporations, publishe a bi-monthly newsletter and fortnightly email news updates. We also act as an information service to support, strengthen and initiate grassroots campaigns against corporations. Other publications likely to be of interest to those campaigning against supermarket developments include 'Whats Wrong with Supermarkets?', A Rough Guide to the UK Farming Crisis' and profiles of the three largest supermarkets: Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury.
16b Cherwell Street,Oxford OX4 1BG, UK Tel: 01865 791 391 email: website: www.corporatewatch.org.uk
Countryside Council for Wales
The Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales.
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW Tel: 0845 1306229 website: www.ccw.gov.uk
Council for British Archaeology
National pressure and campaign group working to promote conservation of the historic environment and all aspects of archaeology and cultural heritage. Will offer advice.
St Mary's House, Bootham, York, Y030 7BZ. Tel: 01904 671 417
email: website: www.britarch.ac.uk
The Earth First! network
A non-hierarchical network of autonomous groups around the country which use direct action to confront, stop and eventually reverse the forces that are responsible for the destruction of the Earth and its inhabitants. EF! is not a cohesive group or campaign, but a convenient banner, for people who share similar philosophies, to work under.
Publishes the Earth First! Action Update, a roundup of direct actions and a contact list of Earth First! local groups.
www.earthfirst.org.uk A contact list of local Earth First! groups is also on the Urban 75 website at www.urban75.com/Links/earth. Contact your nearest group if your campaign is considering taking direct action.
English Heritage (Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission)
A Government quango which aims to maintain and care for historic sites in England. They can help you to assess the non-planning implications of planning applications eg advising on archaeological and cultural heritage features.
23 Saville Row, London, W1S 2ET. Tel: 0207 973 3000 Fax: 0207 973 3430 www.english-heritage.org.uk
English Nature
The government's conservation advisors, can provide guidance on wildlife law and other conservation issues, but are very conservative. Publications include a report on Strategic Environmental Assessment methodology and a practitioners guide to the preparation of Strategic Environmental Assessments.
Northminster House, Peterborough, PE1 1UA. Tel: 01733 455101 Fax: 01733 455103 email: www.english-nature.org.uk
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth (FOE) is one of the UK’s largest environmental campaigning groups. Contact them for more information on all aspects of local campaigning including a series of “How to...” guides for campaigners and for details of your local FOE group. FOE has a dedicated planning advisor Hugh Ellis, email: hughe(at)foe.co.uk and a planning website which has a campaigner's guide to understanding the new planning system in England www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index
Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth is an experienced campaigner on planning issues and is happy to talk to other campaigners: Tel: 01793 783 040 email: foeswindon (at) hotmail.com FOE's ‘Real Food’ campaign focuses extensively on the supermarkets and impact on consumers, farmers, the community and the environment. See recent profile of Tesco - 'The Tesco Takeover' (June 2005)
26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ. Tel: 0207 490 1555 email: website: www.foe.co.uk
Historic Scotland
An agency within the Scottish Executive responsible to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding Scotland's built heritage, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment. Can advise on cultural and archeological features.
Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8600 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
The Land Is Ours (TLIO)
A landrights movement for Britain, campaigning for access to the land, its resources and the decision making processes affecting them. Amongst its aims are derelict urban land to be used to meet basic social needs affordable homes and free recreation, ahead of destructive luxuries like superstores and exclusive housing). TLIO also campaigns for sustainable agriculture, protection and reclamation of common space, and the reform of planning and public inquires. See also Chapter 7 in the planning advice section.
The Potato Store, Flax Drayton Farm, South Petherton, Somerset TA13. Tel: 01460 249204 email: website: www.tlio.org.uk
Open Spaces Society
Give advice on the protection of common land, open spaces and public rights of way under threat.
25a Bell St, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BA. Tel: 01491 573535 email: website: www.oss.org.uk
OTDOGS - Opposition to Destruction of Open Green Spaces
OTDOGS specialises in fighting supermarket applications in sensitive areas. Published a useful guide to fighting supermarket development “Save Green Spaces from Destruction by food giants: a practical guide to local action.” see page XX for more details. John Beasley is happy to give advice over the telephone and in writing. John would also be interested to hear from people who suspect that `sweeteners' have been offered by supermarkets, eg offers to build new playing fields, roads, sports centres etc. These are often used to make the opening of a new superstore more palatable to local councils and to encourage the granting of planning permission.
c/o John Beasley, 6 Everthorpe Rd, Peckham, London, SE15 4DA. Tel: 0208 693 9412.
Rescue: The British Archaeological Trust
A charity which is committed to the protection, conservation, recording and interpretation of archaeological evidence in order to maintain the position of archaeology as a vital part of our nations cultural life. Provides technical assistance and advice to local people and groups to help preserve and record threatened archaeological sites..
15a Bull Plain, Hertford, Hertfordshire, G14 1DX. Tel: 01992 553377 email: website: www.rescue-archaeology.freeserve.co.uk
Roadblock
An alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against road-building. They offer support and training for local groups and campaigners through briefings, telephone advice, training events and conferences. Contact them for advice and information on campaigning, if the proposed development you are fighting involves a road scheme.
PO Box 164, Totnes, TQ9 5WX. Tel: 01803 847 649 / 07854 693 067 email: office(at)roadblock.org.uk website: www.roadblock.org.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
Works to secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage: the wildlife, habitats and landscapes. Advisors to the Scottish Parliament on conservation and development issues.
12 Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AS Tel: 0131 447 4784 website: www.snh.org.uk
Seeds for Change
Works with activists and campaigners in the UK to help them organise for action and positive social change. Offer free workshops and training for community groups, as well as a series of briefings on practical campaigning skills, working in groups and using computer technology. The briefings are available to download from the website or by post. For workshops in Scotland, Northern England and North Wales, contact Seeds for Change, 96 Church St, Lancaster, LA1 1TD Tel: 0845 330 7583 lancaster(at)seedsforchange.org.uk
For workshops in the South of England and South Wales, contact Seeds for Change, 16b Cherwell Street, Oxford, OX4 1BG Tel: 0845 458 4776 oxford(at)seedsforchange.org.uk website: www.seedsforchange.org.uk
Sprawlbusters
Consultants who help local citizens groups to strategize and to design and implement successful campaigns against superstores and other undesirable large-scale developments.
Al Norman, 21 Grinnell St, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA Tel: 00 (413) 772-6289 (evenings, EST) email: info(at)sprawl-busters.com website: www.sprawl-busters.com
SUSTAIN: the alliance for better food and farming
Membership organisation with over 100 member organisations who have an interest in food and farming issues in the UK. It advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
94 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PF Tel: 0207 837 1228 email: sustain(at)sustainweb.org website: www.sustainweb.org
The Wildlife Trusts
A network of charitable trusts working to conserve local wildlife and wild places. Contact the national office for details of your local Wildlife Trust office. They can offer help and advice on how to protect local wildlife.
The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT. Tel: 01636 677 711 www.wildlifetrusts.org
Further information on supermarkets and the alternatives Banana Link
Organisation working for sustainable production and trade in bananas. They aim to facilitate fair trade with marginalised banana producers and to encourage importers and retailers to comply with minimum social and environmental standards. Work co-operatively with partners in Latin America, the Caribbean, West Africa and the Philippines and with a network of European and North American organisations.
8a Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JG Tel: 01603 765670 email: info(at)bananalink.org.uk website: www.bananalink.org.uk
Fairtrade Foundation
Organisation responsible for awarding the fairtrade mark to products in the UK. Details of where to get fairtrade products are on the website.
Room 204, 16 Baldwin's Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ Tel: 0207 405 5942 email: mail(at)fairtrade.org.uk website: www.fairtrade.org.uk
Foundation for Local Food Initiatives (f3)
A not-for-profit organisation which provides consultancy services to the local food sector. Aims to promote and support the growth of healthy local food economies, as a key part of sustainable development. The website acts as an information resource for the local food sector. The FLAIR project - the Food and Local Agriculture Information Resource - is a partnership project led by f3, which is analysing the scale, scope and benefits of the local food sector in the UK, is helping to create a national database of local food initiatives, and enabling the development of a national food links network. The FLAIR project produces a monthly email newsletter, 'Local Food News'.
PO Box 1234, Bristol, BS99 2PG Tel: 0845 458 9525 email mail(at)localfood.org.uk www.localfood.org.uk
Grassroots Action on Food and Farming (GAFF)
GAFF carries out research in collaboration with Corporate Watch and also campaigns to curb the increasing corporate control of agriculture and the food system. It is working to facilitate the creation of new networks and alliances between farmers, farmers' groups, environmentalists and the public both in the UK and globally, to oppose the increasing corporate control of the food system and the demise of the small and family farm. GAFF is a member of the Breaking the Armlock Alliance www.breakingthearmlock.com, which is calling for stricter controls over the major supermarkets, including a mandatory code of conduct with their suppliers and a supermarket watchdog. It is also a member of the Tescopoly alliance, focusing attention on Tesco's excessive market share.
16b Cherwell Street, Oxford, OX4 1BN email: info(at)gaff.org.uk website: www.gaff.org.uk
New Economics Foundation (NEF)
NEF is an independent thinktank that aims to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. NEF has produced two research reports on 'Ghost Town Britain' – which examine the huge decline of small traders and services and the death of our town and neighbourhood centres caused by the construction of large out-of-town shopping centres and waves of high street bank branch closures. They have also published a report 'Clone Town Britain' which looks at the replacement of small independent stores by identikit chainstores throughout the country's high streets. NEF has catalysed the creation of 'local works' - a campaign to support the Local Communities Sustainability Bill, which is now in progress through parliament. The Bill aims to put power back in the hands of local people, to make their own plans for how they want to develop and sustain their communities. The Tools for local economic renewal project provides workshops and resources for local communities to help empower them to take action to revive their local economies.
3 Jonathan Street, London, SE11 5NH Tel: 020 7820 6300 email: info(at)neweconomics.org website: www.neweconomics.org/gen/
Women’s Environmental Network
Campaigns on local food issues. They are currently running a 'Cultivating the Future' campaign, working with a network of ethnic minority women's groups developing organic growing and composting skills.
PO Box 30626 London E1 1TZ Tel: 020 7481 9004 email: info(at)wen.org.uk www.wen.org.uk
Planning advice Sympathetic planning experts who may be able to advise your campaign: Campaign for Planning Sanity
Planning Sanity provides free advice to individuals and local communities to help them tackle adverse planning and development applications that threaten to blight their communities. Also has an extensive website of planning related resources.
Chris Maile, 97 Spa Crescent, Little Hulton, Gtr Manchester, M38 9TU Tel: 0871 750 3992, email: info(at)planningsanity.co.uk website: www.planningsanity.co.uk
Chapter 7
The planning office of The Land Is Ours, Chapter 7, campaigns for a planning system that actively encourages sustainable, low impact and affordable homes. They also provide advice to individuals and community groups trying to gain planning permission for low impact development and those fighting major development proposals such as supermarkets. Call their office on Thursdays for planning advice.
Simon Fairlie, The Potato Store, Flax Drayton Farm, South Petherton, Somerset TA13. Tel: 01460 249204 email: chapter7 (at)tlio.demon.co.uk website: www.tlio.org.uk/chapter7
Paul Disney
Advice on transport impact assessment, especially PPG6, PPG13.
Lower Heltor Farm, Bridford, Devon, EX6 7EH.
Tel: 01647 440138. Fax: 01647 440047 email: pauldisney (at)btinternet.com
Friends of the Earth
FOE has a dedicated planning advisor, Hugh Ellis, and a planning website which has a campaigner's guide to understanding the new planning system in England www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/index
26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ. Tel: 0207 490 1555 email: hughe(at)foe.co.uk
Gerald Kells
Experienced local campaigner has participated in a number of public enquiries against major retail developments, including the building of Asda and Tesco stores in Walsall and the expansion of Merry Hill shopping centre. He can advise individuals and community groups about public enquiries, the planning process and campaign strategy.
55 Folly House Lane, Walsall, WS1 3EL. Tel: 01922 636601 email: gerald.kells(ay)talk21.com
Michael Parkes
Self-employed urban planner, who was involved in the planning for real exercise with Gargoyle Wharf Community Action Group, who fought against a supermarket in Wandsworth, London. Forty years experience with regeneration proposals, fighting roads etc. Can give free advice to community groups who can't afford to pay a planner.
315 Trinity Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 3SL.Tel: 0208 874 3342. email: parkes(at)parkes.worldonline.co.uk
Planning Aid
Planning Aid is a voluntary service offering free, independent and professional advice on town planning matters to community groups and individuals who cannot afford to employ a planning consultant. They have regional offices across Britain, contact the national Planning Aid Unit or see their website to find out the contact details of your nearest planning aid office.
National Planning Aid Unit, Unit 419, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA. Tel/fax: 0121 693 1201 email: info(at)planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
website: www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-advice/pa-paid
To find other planning consultants in your area contact your local planning department or Citizen's Advice Bureau and ask for a list of Charterted Town Planners.
Legal advice Earthrights Solicitors
A law firm which aims to protect the environment by giving advice on pollution, waste, noise, wildlife/habitat, landrights, rights of way, transport, squatters' rights and planning law to individuals and community groups - where appropriate for free or at low cost.
John Dunkley/Charlie Hopkins, Little Orchard, School Lane, Molehill Green, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6JP Tel: 07071 225 011 e-mail: earthrights(at)gn.apc.org website: www.earthrights.gn.apc.org
Environmental Law Foundation (ELF)
A charity which provides individuals and community groups with information and advice on how the law can help resolve environmental problems in the broad categories of pollution, development and health. ELF provides advice and, if appropriate, referrals to its network of members, who have legal and technical expertise, for a free initial consultation. Members agree to do any further work at reduced fees, legal aid rates, or, in some cases, for free.
Suite 309, 16 Baldwins Gardens, Hatton Square, London EC1N 7RJ Tel: 0207 404 1030 email: info(at)elflaw.org website: www.elflaw.org
Environmental Law Centre
Provides information and advice to individuals and community groups to help them take legal action where they have suffered adverse health effects from environmental pollution.
Dr Kartar Badsha: Hollibury House , PO Box 267, Southport, PR8 1WD Tel: 0870 1657 468 email: website: www.elc.org.uk
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