Lizard Ecovillage Planning Precedent

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On the 25th April 2007 Brighton and Hove City Council granted full planning permission for the Lizard Development on a prime development site overlooking Brighton Marina.  This decision followed directly on from the multi partner feasability study we organised with funding from the Energy Savings Trust and The Environment Agency.  It gave an unprecedented go ahead in Europe for a unique high density development of 16 earthships.  Chichester Diocese Housing Association were to take on the social housing component from the mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units that biotecture was aiming to build.

Part funding for the lengthy planning application was provided by Chichester Diocese Housing Association and Bonnetts Estate Agents.  Further input was provided from the feasability study partners.  The Cooperative Bank and Ecology Building Society came on board to provide the lead investment for the construction phase.

Although the development stalled with complications around the land sale, it provides a valuable planning precedent for future similar developments in the UK and other parts of Europe.

LIZARD PRESS RELEASE, APRIL 2007

‘The Lizard’ has already attracted a lot of interest. We have generated hundreds of enquiries from a very wide range of potential buyers, including people who are keen to secure one of the six units allocated as ‘affordable’ housing through the Housing Association.

We are hugely encouraged by the council’s decision to back this project. With permission for this kind of natural building and lifestyle project here in Brighton we are really setting a precedent that should inspire both ecological entrepreneurs and main-stream developers alike.’ Daren Howarth

Brighton & Hove City Council Sustainability and Planning officers spent two years working with the project developers giving help and advice on the UK planning system.

‘This is just the sort of forward thinking scheme that Brighton & Hove should be championing. The Earthships are yet another example of the innovative sustainable buildings at which the city excels.’ – Thurstan Crockett, Head of Sustainability at Brighton & Hove City Council

Useful links on the Lizard Development:

The Sunday Times covered the planning decision:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1687564.ece

http://www.ethical-junction.org/blogs/2007/05/09/earthships-ahoy/